E. Margaret Sparks

E. Margaret Sparks, 68, of Galesburg, died at 5:38 p.m. Monday, August 10, 2009 at home.    Margaret was born on December 25, 1940 in Jersey Co, Illinois the daughter of Walter and Edna Calhoun Klein.  She married Joseph Sparks on August 26, 1952 in Jersey Co., Illinois.  He preceded her in death on January 18, 2003.  Surviving Margaret is two sons, Joseph (and Lisa) of Galesburg and Thomas (and Tara) of Kansas City, MO; 3 daughters, Laurie Sparks of O’Fallon, MO, Kimberly (and Steve) Switzer of Swansea, and Sherri Sparks of Galesburg; and several brothers and sisters.  Also surviving are her 4 grandchildren, Jacob, Lucas, Tyler, and Colin.    Margaret graduated from Alton Memorial Nurses School.  She was a Registered Nurse at St. Jame’s Hospital in Pontiac, then at OSF St. Mary’s Medical Center in Galesburg, until her retirement in 1980.  She was a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church.  She loved crafting, sewing, and spending time with her grandchildren.    Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 13, 2009 at Watson Funeral Home, with cremation rites to follow.  Graveside committal of ashes will be at a later date in Buffalo Hart Cemetery, Buffalo Hart.