Anita C. Sparks, age 82, of Helena passed away Thursday, August 2, 2018.
Anita Clare Blood Sparks was born August 22, 1935 in Deer Lodge, MT to Mary and Charles Blood of Avon, MT. She was called home to her reward on August 2, 2018. Anita fought a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer’s and is now at peace and dancing in heaven.
Anita grew up on her family’s ranch in Avon. Her adventurous spirit, however, called her away from her beloved home; and, on many adventures including traveling Europe as a young woman, to explore the world.
She taught first grade in Montana, Nevada, Alaska, and Colorado. Most of her career was spent teaching at Will Rogers Elementary in Colorado Springs, CO where she impacted the lives of hundreds of children and received a Crystal Apple Award for her excellence in education.
Anita is survived by her three children, William E. Sparks of Colorado Springs, Charles L. Sparks of Ft. Collins, CO., and Mary Sparks Pierce of Helena, MT. She is also survived by her two grandchildren, Sara C. Sparks of Colorado Springs and Aeden W. Pierce of Helena; her sister, Lue Bignell Tavenner of Avon and many nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held at 5:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 8th at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave. A Funeral Mass will be at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 9th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing. Burial will follow the Mass in the Avon Cemetery. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Anita.
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 8, 2018
Retz Funeral Home
315 E 6th Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday August 9, 2018
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing
Helena, MT 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 8, 2018
Retz Funeral Home
315 E 6th Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday August 9, 2018
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing
Helena, MT 59601
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Barb and Ev says
We remember Anita fondly from our choir at Peterson AFB. Thank you, Mary for sharing. We had lost track of your Mom when she moved from her house some time ago! We remember her sharing a big medical book from the 1800s and talking about moving the old cabin and restoring it! She was a beautiful woman, always with a smile! God bless her! RIP Anita. Love, prayers and hugs to you, Mary and your entire family!
Sherry Ramirez says
Working with Anita at Rogers Elementary was truly a joy. She genuinely cared about children and strived to do a good job on their behalf. My genuine condolences are offered to her loved ones.
Ann Hapke Menke says
I worked with Anita when I was the secretary at Will Rogers Elementary in Colorado Springs. She really cared for her pupils and did the best for them.