Katherine R. Sparks, 86, of Galesburg, died peacefully at 11:40 p.m. Monday, June 30, 2025, at home with her daughter at her side.
She was born May 10, 1939, in El Paso, Texas, the daughter of Burton Rawlins and Jouett (Everhart) Zuendt. She married Robert J. Sparks on October 29, 1958, in El Paso. He preceded her in death on November 28, 2019, after more than 61 years of marriage.
Surviving are her children, Carrie Sparks (husband Mark Kubik) of Elizabeth, Colorado and David Sparks of Galesburg; two grandchildren, Jessica Sparks (husband Jaime Magana) and Nicholas Sparks, both of Ft. Collins, Colorado; and a step-great grandson, Julian Magana. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Carolyn Chambers.
She graduated from the Holton-Arms School in Washington, D.C., then attended the University of Colorado at Boulder. After her marriage to Robert, the couple returned to his hometown of Galesburg, where they proceeded to raise their family, with Katherine being a devoted wife and mother.
Katherine was instrumental in forming and taught at the pre-school program of the former Grace Episcopal Church. She was a member of Grace Anglican Church, Chapter W PEO, Mosaic Club, Bridge Club, and Soangetaha Country Club. She served on the board of the Catherine Club for several years. She was a tireless volunteer for many years at the Cottage Hospital Gift Shop, for the American Cancer Society, and FISH Food Pantry.
Cremation will be accorded. Her remains will be laid to rest next to Robert in St. Joseph Cemetery with a private family ceremony. To celebrate her life, friends and family are invited to Soangetaha Country Club on Friday August 1, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Anglican Church, the Galesburg Community Foundation, the Knox County Humane Society, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
