Obituary of Joan Marie Sparks

Joan M. Sparks ASHTABULA- Joan Marie Sparks, 78, passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 while a resident of Ashtabula County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Joan was the daughter of Lonnie and Irene (Sawyer) Garoutte and was born in Marysville, CA on October 29, 1939. On June 14, 1956 Joan and Thomas "Herb" Sparks were united in marriage. Their journey of forty one years was one of love and admiration. Joan retired from Sears as a Tool Pro after twelve years of dedicated service. A natural salesman, she enjoyed meeting customers and making friends along the way. A talented woman, Joan made many crafts and gifted her children with her beautiful and unique quilts and crocheted many afghans. When time permitted she was a voracious reader. She would read anything that drew her attention. Joan will be remembered for her strength and dignity through adversity. Joan is survived by her children, Tammy (Steven) Wetherbee of Kingsville, Tricia (Gary) Maurer of Conneaut, Tom (Kathy) Sparks of Jefferson, Ted Sparks of Kingsville and Tracy Sparks also of Jefferson; eight grandchildren, Marilyn, Melanie, Mandy, Misty, Daniel, Brandy, Chase and Tyler, nine great grandchildren, Brianna, Rebecca, Zoey, Austin, Joseph, Logan, Myla, Caden and Kourtney; sister- in-law, Betty Garoutte of FL; many loving nieces and nephews. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas "Herb" Sparks, great grandson, Karter Knicely; nephew, Davey Garoutte, brothers, Joe and Bill Garoutte; and her parents. Funeral Services will be at 12 Noon on Monday, March, 12, 2018 at the Zaback-Williams- Ducro Funeral Home, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula, Ohio. Larry Carr, Pastor of Pierpont Presbyterian Church will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memory Gardens, North Kingsville, Ohio. Calling hours will be observed from 10:00AM until 12 Noon on Monday, March 12, 2018 at the funeral home. ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 west Prospect Road, Ashtabula, Ohio is handling arrangements.www.ducro.com