Obituary of Dorothy Sparks

Dorothy Sparks died October 27th, 2010 at Hopewell House Hospice in Portland, Oregon, surrounded by loving caregivers, friends and family. She was 86 years of age. Dorothy was born January 5th, 1924 in Topeka, Kansas to Ray and Libbie Erwin. She was preceded in death by her parents, half-brother Reynold Smith, and by her husband Dale Sparks. She is survived by her daughter, Diane Gillett Arndt (Steve) of Woodburn; sister, Shirley Beach of Ozawkie, Kansas; grandchildren by birthright, Robert (Jennifer) Arndt and their daughter, Audrey, of Keizer; Amanda (Alfonso) Vega and their daughter, Diane “Lia” of Woodburn; grandson by choice, Stephen Curtis of Keizer; nephews Loren and Louis Beach, and several cousins. Dorothy retired from the U.S. Bank after working many years in the McMinnville, Newberg and King City branches. It was often said of Dorothy and Dale that in their retirement they were “the greyhounds on the run” as they were constantly busy enjoying square dancing, travel and following their grandchildren’s many sporting events and activities. As a member of the Woodburn United Methodist Church and its various fellowship groups, including United Methodist Women, Dorothy was well known for her delicious potluck dishes. In her last years, Dorothy especially enjoyed cooking, reading, crocheting, spending time with family, delighting in great-granddaughters Lia and Audrey; and outings, activities and light-hearted fun with dear friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Woodburn United Methodist Church on Tuesday, November 9th at 11:00 a.m. with a light lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Woodburn United Methodist Church memorial fund in Dorothy’s name. Arrangements by Crown Memorial Center - Tualatin