Imo Irene Sparks
April 4, 1915 - February 2, 2013
Obituary
Imo Irene Sparks
April 4, 1915 – February 2, 2013
Born Imo Irene Rauch on April 4, 1915 in Belding, MI, Imo was one of five children born to Myrtle and Frank Rauch. Growing up a well-adjusted child in a happy Christian home, Imo graduated high school and began her college education at Spring Arbor College in Spring Arbor, MI, in 1936. After a year of college, she took a year off from school to work, and in 1938, she traveled to Seattle, WA, to continue her education at Seattle Pacific College. In the course of earning her Bachelor of Arts in Education from SPC (1940), she met her future husband, John W. Sparks (1913-2001, SPC class of ’40, BA Education). John and Imo were married on May 16, 1942.
“Mrs. Sparks” was a beloved elementary school teacher for 36 years – first in Castle Rock, WA, then in Federal Way, WA and finally retiring from Bellevue School District in Bellevue, WA. John coached high school basketball and football for 25 years, and Imo was at every one of his games – Coach Sparks’ most avid supporter. Her enthusiasm for sports mirrored John’s, and they were faithful season ticket holders for Seattle Pacific Falcon basketball and Washington Husky football for over four decades. Imo’s love for football never waned, and even in recent weeks, she was still tuning in to just about any football game that was aired on TV.
One of her retirement pleasures was traveling with John, and together they explored far-flung and enchanting lands – throughout North America, Europe, and the Holy Lands.
Imo was modest about her abilities as an artist, and few have been privileged to view her artwork. Visitors to her home, however, enjoyed a few pieces that decorate the walls – often without ever knowing that she was the talent behind them.
Imo was a very giving person, supporting missions, homeless ministries, childrens’ ministries, charities of all kinds, and serving as the librarian for many years at New Day Christian Fellowship (Auburn Free Methodist Church). Her love of reading was not only conveyed into the many lives she touched as librarian, but was also evidenced by the hundreds of books that surrounded her in her home.
Her spunk, tenacity and sheer determination permitted her to live independently – fulfilling a deeply held desire to remain in her own home. She went on to her “new home” peacefully on February 2, 2013. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Erma, and her brothers Asher and Burton. She is survived by her brother, Carton Rauch and his wife, Jean, sister-in-law Helen Rauch, and a number of nieces and nephews.
God Speed dear Aunt Imo. You were a classy and special lady. We remember you fondly. Hugs! No more detours you are home now.