Carol Lynn Sparks was born March 28, 1944 in Ashton, Kentucky, daughter of Robert and Pauline (Sherman) Sparks.  When she was 3 years old the family moved to Saint Albans, West Virginia.  It was here that she attended Hansford Elementary School and later Saint Albans High School.

For anyone who knows Carol, the next step in her life embraced her need to be her own person and live life on her terms.  Upon turning 16, she picked up and moved to California with her sister, Judy.  It was here that she arrived on the film set of "Rawhide" starring Clint Eastwood.  Although he was supposedly the star, Carol wowed him with an Oscar worthy kiss.  It was also in California that she met a young gentleman that would give Carol her first blessing, David.

The next stop in Carol's journey led her to Wichita, Kansas where she stayed with her sister, Pat, and brother-in-law, Charley.  It was here she met Mr. King whom she later married and spent the next 20 years of her life. During this time, she was extremely active at Blessed Sacrament, President of the Women' Restaurant Association of Kansas, and became a mother for a 2nd and 3rd time to Ginny and Tara, and stepmother to Jim, Kenny, and Debbie.

Life then took another turn and Carol moved to Florida where she was blessed with her 2 youngest children, Simon and Sarah.  As she raised her family, she also developed an intense love for the beach and the ocean.

Carol eventually laid roots in Anthony, Kansas where she joined her daughter, Ginny, and son-in-law, David Nelson, at Nelson's Restaurant.  It was here that she first laid eyes on the love of her life, Jim Gates.  She would see him arrive each morning at Nelson's for coffee.  He would sit with his cronies, scratch his nose, and fill every hole in his waffle with butter . . . true love it was.

Carol and Jim were married September 16, 2000 in the old Hopewell Church.  On Day 2 of their honeymoon Sparky turned to Jim and said, "I don't think this is going to work." Jim turned with a smile and said, "why don't we give it a few days?" And here we are 24 years later celebrating a life filled with love and trials.  We are here now celebrating our Sparky who truly brought light and a pure heart to each and every person she knew.  She approached life with a childlike joy that truly was infectious.  She had endless warm hugs and smiles for all those around her.  Most importantly, she was a true servant to her Father in Heaven.  Rest well Sparky.

On July 1, 2024, Carol peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones.  She meets in Heaven her parents; son, Simon Sokerka; stepson, Jim King; and sister, Pat Hoff.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Jim Gates; children: Ginny (David) Nelson, Tara King, Sarah Kangas, and David (Ramona) Story; stepchildren: Kenny King, Debbie Bradford, Eric (Sunny) Gates, Jody (John) Hannah, Wendy Watts, and Christy Gates; siblings: Jack Sparks and Judy (Ted) Lane; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her Revolution Fellowship Family; other relatives; and many friends.

Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 5, 2024 at Revolution Fellowship Church in Anthony with Pastor Kent Olds officiating.  Burial will follow in Forest Park Cemetery.

Friends may view and register from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony.

Memorials in memory of Carol may be made to Revolution Fellowship Church or the Anthony Ministerial Association and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.