Gail Burke Sparks

Gail Burke Sparks, 98, of Woodville, Idaho passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, November 24, 2008 at Lincoln Court Assisted Living in Idaho Falls.

She was born April 13, 1910 in a large one-room cabin, built by her dad, Alma Burke in Woodville, Idaho.  Her mother was Aseneth Heward Burke. 

She graduated from Shelley High School and married Lawrence Sparks of Woodville on December 23, 1931 in Logan, Utah.  They were sealed in the Logan LDS Temple on November 20, 1934.  They made their home in Woodville and were farmers and sheep ranchers there and in Spencer, Idaho, as well.  They raised three sons, Derril, Kerry, and Adrian. 

She was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints all of her life and held many positions both in leadership and teaching. 

She loved to sing and participate in musical programs.  She was very talented in music, crocheting, quilt making and loved to attend family reunions.

Gail and Lawrence enjoyed traveling together in their retirement years.  They also served as officiators in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple for six years.  She was born on the farm in Woodville and they spent their entire life there.  Lawrence passed away on November 22, 1996.  They had been married for 65 years.

She is survived by her three sons, Derril (Karen) Sparks of Woodville; Kerry (Jeanette) Sparks of Rigby; and Adrian (Judy) Sparks of Woodville; 15 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren, and 29 great great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday November 29, 2008 at the Woodville First Ward Chapel (1555 North 700 East). The family will receive friends Friday evening from 7:00 till 8:30 P.M. at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley and 9:30 till 10:40 A.M. before the services at the church.  Interment will be in the Fielding Memorial Cemetery.

The family wishes to give special thanks to the staff of Lincoln Court, Idaho Falls Health and Rehab, EIRMC, the Gables in Shelley, Creekside Home Health, Dr. Huntsman and Dr. Erickson for all the many hours of care and assistance they have provided.