Marilyn Sparkman

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Marilyn Marcella Sparkman, 80, of Topeka, Kan., formerly of Chaffee, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2013, in Topeka.

She was born March 12, 1932, in Chaffee to Earl and Mary Ann Malone Alvey. Marilyn and John L. Sparkman were married March 6, 1948. He preceded her in death Sept. 7, 2009.

Marilyn's first job was as a waitress at her uncle Fred's Dinner Bell Cafe in Chaffee. She retired after 33 years as a telephone operator with Southwestern Bell Telephone in St. Louis. She was a member of Chaffee General Baptist Church and Lifetime Pioneer Organization with Bell Telephone. She enjoyed fishing, working crossword puzzles, bingo, Camel cigarettes, drinking Pepsi Cola and listening to Elvis Presley.

Survivors include a son, J.D. (Gale) Sparkman of Tecumseh, Kan.; a daughter, Judy (Don) Sherman of Collinsville, Ill.; a brother, Elton (Lee-Ann) Alvey of O'Fallon, Ill.; a sister, Jeanie (John) Stroup Smith of Chaffee; a granddaughter, Michelle (David) Dixon; and two great-granddaughters, Daytona and Tate Dixon.

She also was preceded in death by a brother, Ronnie.

Friends may call after 4 p.m. Thursday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the chapel, with the Rev. Bob Lewis officiating. Burial will be in Union Park Cemetery in Chaffee.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the General Baptist Church in Chaffee.

www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com