Obituary of Joan Phyllis Sparks

(Joan) Phyllis Sparks passed away Thursday, September 11, 2014 after a short but extremely courageous battle with lung cancer. Never an individual to let trials and heartaches of life defeat her, she remained positive and encouraging to those around her up to the end. Born Joan Phyllis Walters on 4/5/35 in Tacoma to William and Martha Walters, she is preceded in death by her husband Robert Harry Sparks (Bob), parents William and Martha Walters, brother James David Walters, nephew James David Walters Jr. and most beloved cousin Phillip Selby. She is survived by children John Stephen (Debra) Sparks, Carolyn Dawn (Bruce Walkup) Sparks, Lisa Diane (Kurt) Schueler; brother William Terry (Patricia) Walters and 8 grandchildren who truly gave her the most precious delights of life, Bobby (Ashley) Sparks, Candice Sparks, Nikolas (Celeste) Schueler, Erika (Josh) Plumadore), Lukas Schueler, Alek Schueler, Kari Schueler and Marley Walkup and many neices and nephews. Graduating from Lincoln H.S. in 1953, she attended business college for 2 years and then started her career at North Pacific Bank. While in college, Phyllis met the love of her life, Bob. When after their first date he proposed, she told him to wait a year and if he was still interested, she would think about it. After their marriage, Mom stayed home and raised her family. Mom and Dad were married until his passing in 1989. In 1967, Phyllis began a 40+ year career at K-Mart, making solid lifelong friends that she still enjoyed dinner with every month. Phyllis loved travel, especially visiting Lisa's family in Europe. Phyllis never knew a stranger and everyone was welcome in her home and made to feel part of the family. She was a lifetime bowler on two leagues up until June of this year. She loved singing as the only lady tenor in the Memorie Singers. Through these and other activities, she made countless friends. Mom's wisdom was valued by her children as well as their friends from their youth into adulthood. She was a vivacious, warm, brave woman and a fighter. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Viewing Thursday, Sept. 18, 1pm to 8pm at Piper-Morley with Oakwood Hill Funeral Home. Funeral service and reception, Friday, Sept. 19th at 12 noon, at Mason Methodist Church, followed by burial service at Oakwood Hill Cemetery in Tacoma. Memorial donation may be made to United Cerebral Palsy