Rita R. Sparks died at her home peacefully after her battle with cancer on Oct. 13, 2022.
Rita was born in Centralia, Washington, on May 2, 1956. Rita spent time living in different areas around the West Coast until moving to Toledo. There, Rita raised her children Derek and Lacey. Rita was a waitress for many years and loved interacting with her customers. This is how she met her husband, the love of her life, Clyde in 2004. They met and married, then finally settled down in Winlock.
Her passions included working on the farm in her numerous gardens, floating in her pool on sunny warm days, adopting and befriending stray animals and sewing beautiful gifts and her own clothing. Rita's dreams came true when her only grandchild was born. She adored spending time and spoiling her.
She was the kind of person who had a loving heart and would drop anything to help someone in need. Her smile was infectious and will be missed.
Jefferson Clyde Sparks died at home after a long and well lived life on Nov. 16, 2022. Clyde was born on July 27, 1935. He spent the first couple years of his life in Curlew, Washington. His parents moved to Mossyrock, Washington, where he was raised with his brothers and sisters. Clyde moved to a 120-acre farm in Winlock. He enjoyed running cattle on the farm for many years.
He spent his career working as a lineman for the PUD for over 35 years. He met the love of his life Rita while she was working. She came with two children that he loved as his own. Clyde also loved to take long rides in his beloved orange truck and collected anything John Deere. Nothing compared to the love he had for his wife, family and farm. His wisdom, loving heart, jean coat and heartwarming smile will be missed by all.
Rita was preceded in death by her mother, Arlene Wood. Clyde was preceded in death by his father Jefferson, mother Josephine, brother Dan, sister Betty and wife Rita. They are survived by their children Derek Hall and Lacey (Jeff) Johnson, in addition to their granddaughter Kennedy.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at First Baptist Church in Toledo. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the local humane society.
