Sandra L. Sparks 86, of Pittsburg, died at 8:37 a.m. Wednesday October 18, 2023 at her home following an illness. Born March 1, 1937 in Chicopee, Sandra was the daughter of James and Lucille (Absher) Machetta. She was a graduate of Pittsburg High School and attended Pittsburg State University for two years.
Sandra and Rex Sparks were united in marriage in 1955 at Pittsburg. He preceded her in death November 11, 1997.
Sandra worked as a school secretary for the Los Angeles California Unified School District and Yukon Oklahoma School District. She also worked as a church secretary in Yukon Oklahoma.
Sandra was a lifelong Baptist; member of the Christian Card Club; enjoyed playing bingo; an avid card player; crafted ceramics; an expert seamstress; supporter of the ELKS Lodge; enjoyed being involved with her church and will be most remembered as a loyal, loving, wife and mother.
Sandra is survived by her daughter Deborah Tidwell (husband Bruce) of Edmond,Okla.; son Rex A. Sparks III (Debra) of Yukon, Okla.; brother James Machetta (wife Jane) of San Antonio, Texas; and sister Shirley B. Hawkins of Pittsburg. Grandchildren Carol McKissick, Deanna Holste and Rex Sparks III; great-grandchildren Sarah McKissick, Arabella McKissick, Dani Sparks and Emma Holste also survive.
In addition to her husband and parents, Sandra was preceded in death by a sister Joyce June Machetta.
Graveside Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday October 21, at the Highland Park Cemetery in Pittsburg. Family will receive friends from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday October 20, at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg. Friends may call after 4 p.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers the family requests expressions of sympathy to be in the form of memorials to the Lord’s Diner. Friends may drop off or mail memorials to Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 522 S. Broadway Pittsburg, KS 66762. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Arrangements and services are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Pittsburg.