Obituary of Mary M. Sparks

Mary Marlene Sparks, the daughter of Paul and Dorthy (Synhorst) TerLouw, was born December 21, 1954 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. She graduated from the Pella High School and went on to receive her teaching degree from Bethel College. On March 3, 1984, Mary was united in marriage with Barry Sparks in Newton, Iowa. Mary taught and served at the Newton Christian School at different times, and in various capacities, over the last thirty-five years, with the last several years overseeing the library. She loved all the kids at Newton Christian. Mary loved spending time with her family. Whether it was coffee time with her daughters, reading to her grandkids or family trips to the mountains, Mary always enjoyed being engaged in each of their lives. Mary enjoyed gardening, reading her bible, and making birthday cakes for her grandkids, who were the light of her life. Mary was a member of the Community Heights Alliance Church in Newton. Mary died on Tuesday, January 24, 2017, at her home in Newton. She was 62 years old. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Jim TerLouw. Those left to honor Mary’s memory include her husband, Barry, of Newton; her daughters, Sarah (Craig) Horstman and their children, Caden, Aly, and Natalie of West Des Moines, IA; Katie (Randy) Veurink of South Dakota; her sister, Connie (Carl) Duinink of Pella, IA; her brother, Steve (Kathy) TerLouw of Pella, IA; her sister-in-law, Helen (Greg) Neer of Pella, IA; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Doris and Jim Sparks of Newton; and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Greg (Mary) Sparks of California. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 30th at the Community Heights Alliance Church in Newton. The family will greet friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the church. Memorials may be designated to the Newton Christian School and may be left at the church or at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton.