Marian Neva Sparks

Marian Neva Sparks, 85, of Loveland, Colorado, died September 24, 2018 in Loveland, after a brief but valiant battle with brain cancer.

Marian was born on her family farm near Algona, Iowa. Her parents were Wilbur and Mildred Zeigler. Like many other Depression-era farm kids, her life centered on farm chores, education at a one-room school, and going to town on Saturday night and then again for church on Sunday. She was the youngest of four children. She graduated from Algona High School, where she was student council president.

She came to Colorado in the 1950s, lured like so many transplants to the area's beauty and weather. After living in Aurora, she transferred to Loveland to work at the old Lego plant. When that plant closed, she worked at Hewlett-Packard as a secretary for many years. She had the greenest of thumbs, endlessly tending her own gardens and the gardens at First Christian Church. She travelled around the world with her son Roy and with Friendship Force, in which she was a selfless leader for many years. She loved volunteering at the Rialto Theater and at her church.

She was humble to a fault and kind to all. She overcome endless challenges and redeemed many setbacks. Like the gardens she tended, she brought beauty and life to this world.

She is survived by her five children, Roy (and Rosemary) Sparks, Jay (and Susan) Sparks, Lee (and Kathryn) Sparks, Amy (and Gary) LaFuze, and Ned Sparks. She had 12 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. She is survived by her sister Virginia Cassells, sister-in-law Eunice Zeigler, and brother-in-law James (Kay) Sparks.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and by brothers Earl Zeigler and Wayne Zeigler.

A memorial service will be held Monday, October 1, at First Christian Church, 2000 N. Lincoln, Loveland, Colorado, 80538 at 10:30 a.m., with luncheon following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund at the address above.