Carlene Sparks Obituary

Carlene Ruth Sparks went to be with the Lord on October 5, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born November 6, 1949 to Carl & Gertrude Southworth in Delano, CA. Carlene attended Delano High School where she met her high school sweetheart, Ronald "Shorty" Sparks, and were married just four days after her 18th birthday in 1967. They had three daughters: Brooke, Gnell & Natalie. They moved to Tulare in 1977. She worked for Britz Fertilizer for the past 16 years. In 1995, she became known as "Grame" with the birth of her first of seven granddaughters. They became her existence that kept Grame & Poppie driving from one granddaughter's event to another! They were the best cheerleaders at soccer games, marching band competitions, volleyball games, junior rodeos, and all school events. Many other "grandchildren" adopted them at their Grame & Poppie too! She enjoyed staying in touch with numerous high school classmates and attending dinners and weekend getaways, jokingly referred to as "the old people's night out!" She hosted many family gatherings, whether at home or camping in the RV; always having enough food to feed the army! Mom had a strong love for family, strong will, strong opinion and strong hope that we……..do it right! Carlene is survived by her husband of 43 years Ronald "Shorty" Sparks and three daughters, Brooke & husband Charlie Prewitt of Sanger, Gnell Babb of Bakersfield, Natalie & husband David Mendonça of Tulare, seven granddaughters: Rebecca Babb, Riley & Ryanne Prewitt, Dakota, Mallory, Jordan & Camryn Mendonça, two sisters: Betty DeWeese of Bakersfield and Delphia Elia of Fresno. She proceeded in death by her parents, Carl & Gertrude Southworth, and nephew, Larry Massey. Graveside Service will be on Monday, October 10, 2011, 1:00 p.m. at North Kern Cemetery District, 627 Austin Street, Delano, California 93215. Arrangements are entrusted to Miller's Tulare Funeral Home.