Bernice F. Sparks
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Bernice F. Sparks passed away peacefully on April 3, 2022 at her home. She was born September
22, 1930 in Ludell County, KS to Louie and Faye (Doty) Makings. She joined an older brother,
Kenneth. When Bernie was less than 2 years old, the family moved to South Park, CO to
Homestead. When she was 9, they moved closer to Hartsel, CO. She attended local country
schools and graduated from Fairplay High School. After High School she worked as a server at a
local cafe. In 1950 she moved with her family to Colorado Springs where she worked at Mode-
O-Day clothing and later at 15th Street Grocery.
In Oct. of 1950 she and Jack Sparks were married in CO Springs. They celebrated 71 years
together last October. They were blessed with one daughter, Kandice Ray. In 1986 they retired
to Canon City, CO where they had 3 acres. They enjoyed gardening and the quiet country area.
In 2005 they moved to Montrose, CO to be near their daughter and family.
Having grown up with a view of Buffalo Peaks, Bernie always loved the mountains. She was
always ready to go for a drive through the mountains, especially in the fall. Bernie was a kind,
gentle person who was an excellent cook and was always prepared with a bite to eat if someone
dropped by. She hosted family and friends in her home with warmth and hospitality. She was
artistic and enjoyed painting. She especially enjoyed painting various animals on many shirts for
her grand-daughters when they were small, as well as painting landscapes. She also painted on
barn wood she collected from their Homestead area. She was an active member of Gateway
Presbyterian Church in CO Springs, and served as a Deacon. She continued to attend
Presbyterian Churches in Canon City and Montrose where she enjoyed Women's Groups and
Bible Studies.
Bernice is survived by her daughter Kandice Ray, grand-daughters Emily Ray and Jessi Dyck
(Matthew), Sister-in-law Mary Makings, a niece, three nephews and several great nieces and
nephews. She is pre-deceased by her parents, her brother, and her husband. Her son-in-law,
Curtis Ray has since passed. There will be a memorial service 5/14/22, 2:00 PM at FPC, 1840 E. Niagara,
Montrose.