Mary Ellen Sparks

Mary Ellen Sparks, age 93, a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and woman of unwavering faith, passed away on November 7, 2026, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of love, family, and devotion.

Mary was born on April 6, 1933, in Bull Creek, Kentucky, to the late Floyd B. Cobb and Georgiana (Warren) Cobb. She was one of nine children born to Floyd and Georgiana.

On November 22, 1951, Mary married the love of her life, Alfred "Bud" Sparks. Together, they shared nearly 75 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered around faith, family, and an enduring love for one another. Mary passed away just 15 days before what would have been their 75th wedding anniversary on November 22, 2026. Their remarkable marriage was a beautiful testament to a lifetime of love, devotion, and commitment to one another.

Mary was a faithful member of Princeton Pike Church of God for nearly 70 years. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life, providing strength, comfort, and inspiration to those around her.

Above all else, Mary's greatest joy was her family. As the loving mother of seven children, grandmother of 14, and great-grandmother of 19, she was the heart of a large and beautiful family. Her love, kindness, and devotion touched each generation, creating memories and traditions that will be cherished for years to come.

Mary is survived by her loyal and loving husband, Alfred "Bud" Sparks; her seven children, Anne (Rich) Hazelwood, Kathy (Bruce) Madden, Timothy (Nancy) Sparks, Samuel (Cathy) Sparks, Sondra (Paul) Rader, Alice (Ross) Largent, and Susan (Brian) DeCraene; her 14 grandchildren, Jeremy, Amy, Stephanie, Luke, Sherry, Dustin, Timothy, Jeffery, Michael, Tanner, Brandon, Andrew, Joseph, and Claire; and 19 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Betsy George, and brother, Robert (Sandy) Cobb.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Georgiana Cobb; her five brothers, Joseph, James, Thomas, Raleigh, and Carl Cobb; and her sister, Sandy Young.

Mary's life was not measured simply by the years she lived, but by the love she gave, the faith she carried, and the family she nurtured. She leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts of her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know her.

While her presence will be deeply missed, the love she shared and the life she built will remain a lasting gift to the generations that follow.

A visitation will be held on November 12, 2026 at Brown Dawson Flick Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio from 10 am to 12 pm with a service immediately following at 12 pm with Pastor Jake Jacobs officiating. Burial will be immediately following services at Rose Hill Burial Park.