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Ruth Elva Sparks succumbed Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital after suffering a heart attack on Saturday, December 4th. Ruth was a long time, 51 year, resident of Albuquerque. Ruth had been in good spirits and was looking forward to the Christmas Season. Ruth was born in Des Moines, Iowa on Sunday, July 10, 1927. She was the daughter of Ernest and Augusta Klix. Ruth was raised within the Lutheran Church, and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, by her only sister, Margaret Klix Murphy, all of Des Moines and by her daughter, DeAnn D. Sparks of Albuquerque. Ruth was educated in Des Moines and graduated from East High School in June 1945. After graduation she took a job as a secretary with the Home Insurance Company. She married Dale Sparks on July 19, 1949 in Des Moines. Following her marriage the couple moved to Iowa State College, Ames, Iowa where she again took a job as Secretary in the Department of Agricultural Engineering. The couple moved to Albuquerque in June 1953. For a few years Ruth kept busy working on her hobbies and serving as a leader of the Luther League at St. Timothy's. After her children were born and in school, Ruth returned to work outside of the home. She worked at the University of New Mexico Business Office until her retirement in 1992. Ruth enjoyed cooking and her various hobbies. She was a talented cook and particularly enjoyed baking. She baked 100s of cookies and candies every Christmas season and sent them off to her many friends, relatives and to the church. She almost always took food to church gatherings over the years. Ruth was the mother of two children, David D. Sparks born July 10, 1957 (her birthday) and DeAnn D. Sparks born June 13, 1960. One of the great tragedies of Ruth's life was the death of her daughter DeAnn on January 15, 1993. DeAnn developed juvenile onset diabetes when she was nine years old. As a consequence of DeAnn's disease, Ruth spent untold hours at the University of New Mexico Hospital caring for DeAnn. Ruth is survived by her son, David and his wife, Linda; and grandson, Robert. She is also survived by many relatives and many friends. She will be missed by all who knew her. Services will be held Friday, December 10th, 2:00 p.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1100 Indian School Rd. NE, with Pastor Patricia Holman officiating. Interment will be held at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE, next to her daughter's grave. Friends may visit French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
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