Karen Elkington Sparks

Karen Elkington Sparks an elite lady died July 7 at the age of 75.  Karen was born to Reed and Cora Elkington on Aug. 27 1933 . 

Her younger years were spent on a ranch in Bone, Idaho.  She loved the ranch and all the work that went with it.  She especially loved riding horses.  Later her family moved to Ammon during the school year.  She graduated from Ammon High School and attended Ricks College.  During her school years she developed many talents that she used throughout her life to bring joy to others.  She was talented in drama, music, cooking, drawing and sewing.  She was an excellent teacher and loved children.

She married Derril Sparks in the Idaho Falls temple on August 2,1951 . They lived in Ammon, Idaho Falls and Shelley area where they farmed and raised six children.   Karen used her excellent sewing skills to design clothing for her family and others.  At Christmas time she was always in demand for sewing dolls clothes.

She taught kindergarten for many years with her sister Glenna.  She also worked at the Goodsell Elementary School in Shelley as an aid for children with difficulty reading and with learning disabilities.

She loved to serve others around her and in church callings.  She served with her husband, Derril in the Family History Center for many years after they retired in 1992.  She enjoyed traveling with her husband and family.  She loved her husband and family.

She is survived by her husband Derril; children Kristan (Julie) Sparks of Shelley; Cathleen (Larry) Lovell of Ririe; Tamera (Kim) Risenmay of Redmond Wa; Darren (Ruth) Sparks of Rexburg; Thane (Laura) Sparks of Shelley; Anita (Corey) Green of West Jordan Ut; 25 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, brothers Edwin, Keith and Brent Elkington; sisters Glenna Walker and Elaine Hall.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 10, 2009 at the Woodville First Ward Chapel (1555 North 700 East

) with Bishop Kris Kelley conducting

. The family will receive friends Thursday July 9

th

from 7:00 till 8:00 P.M. at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley and Friday morning 9:30 till 10:40 at the church.  Burial will be at the Woodville Cemetery.

The Sparks Family would like to express a special thank you to Carrie Andrus of Blackfoot Hospice.