Ina Lorraine Sparing passed away during the early hours of Thursday, May 18, 2017 at the age of 84. We lost a truly amazing wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Ina was born November 6, 1932 in Helena, Montana to Hazel and Lawrence Nelson and was later raised by her grandmother; Johanna Watson. Ina graduated from high school in 1950. After graduation Ina worked for “MA BELL” as a telephone operator, the TEMPO store as an office manager, while finishing her career working at Fort Harrison Veterans Administration as the Assistant to the Chief of Staff for Nursing for 26 years retiring on June 29th, 1994.
Ina married Leonard (Len) Sparing on April 4, 1953 and remained happily married for 64 years. Ina and Len were blessed with 5 children, Larry, Bob, Terry, Sandy and Jeff.
During the years of their marriage, Len and Ina enjoyed bowling, fishing, playing cards, dancing, reading and camping with family and friends. Ina was quite the artist and especially enjoyed painting. Ina loved making all holidays special and put great effort into making them fun and memorable for her family.
Ina is preceded in death by her parents; Lawrence Nelson, Hazel and stepfather, Grandville (Ganny) Boone and grandmother; Johanna Watson, sister and brother-laws; Carol and Bill Henwood, Dick and Sis Sparing, Walter and Irene Sparing, Donald and Virginia Sparing, Eddie and “Pete” Deloris Sparing.
Ina is survived by her loving husband; Len Sparing, and children Larry and Jackie Sparing; Bob and Linda Sparing; Terry Sparing; Sandy and Jim Waeckerlin, and Jeff Sparing. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Amy Blixt, Erin (Daniel) Tiser, Adam Sparing, Callie (Brent) Harberts, Tyler (Katie) Sparing, Tim Sparing, Kyle Waeckerlin, Ryan Waeckerlin and Matt Waeckerlin.
Ina is also survived by 10 great grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services are pending and will be announced when they are complete. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to The Lewis & Clark Humane Society at 2112 E. Custer Ave, Helena, MT. 59602, or a charity of their choice. Please see below to send the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ina.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday May 26, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday May 26, 2017
Social Hall of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following the Reception
Friday May 26, 2017
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N. Motana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday May 26, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday May 26, 2017
Social Hall of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following the Reception
Friday May 26, 2017
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N. Motana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Anthony Todd Nelson says
Aunt Ina, you are loved and will be missed. Many good memories growing up. Bobby, Larry, Terry, Jeff, Sandy, all my love and condolences to you my family. Uncle Leonard, I am so sorry for your loss. Love you…Toad…aka Todd Nelson
Susan Smart says
Aunt Ina had a wonderful laugh and made you feel loved. I’ll miss her but know that now she is laughing again.
Susan Smart, Vermont
Glenna Kendall says
Sandy and Terry,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Please know that I am here for you if I can help. God bless all of you.
Glenna Kendall
Linda Kindrick says
I met Ina in the late 70s when I worked at the VA at Ft. Harrison. She always had a smile and a word of encouragement. She always spoke lovingly and proudly of each of her children and Len. God bless you all as you remember her and all she meant to you. God bless you all.
Brenda Strong says
I met Ina in the 70s at the VA but I was lucky to actually work with her in the late 80s in the nursing office. She was a genuine pleasure to know and boy,did she keep us straight! She will truly be missed.
Marianne Niesen says
Bob and Linda, I am thinking of you so much at this time. Know you and your family are in my prayers! Marianne
Jacki & Cliff Huff says
Prayers and thoughts to the family. Wish I could be there for you but in Baton Rouge for nationals.
Leona Zaharko says
I am so sorry for your great loss. I knew Ina well from the VA. I will always remember fondly her Christmas
cookie exchange parties. So much fun, her house was always so beautifully decorated and such good eats.
LORETO "PWEE" McCullough says
I am so sorry for your loss of Ina,she was always do nice & friendly to all. I will remember Ina & the family. God less you all.
mike says
love and prayers sent your way,we use to bowl with len and ina, they were great people, sorry for your loss ,mike and carol mcdowell