Maxine Sparkman

Maxine Louella Sparkman 86, of Nowata passed away on Monday, September 7, 2009 in the Nowata Jane Phillips Medical Center. Maxine was born on September 8, 1922 in Beggs, Oklahoma to James Richard Eden and Inez Leona (Miller) Eden. She devoted her life to Jesus Christ and worked diligently to get others to do the same. Maxine loved to dance, especially swing dancing; she won many trophies dancing with her girlfriends in the 1940's during WWII. Maxine married William J. Sparkman on August 15, 1950 in Bentonville, Arkansas. They spent all their time together whether they were fishing, moving because of Bill's career, or traveling to see relatives; they truly cherished each others company. Maxine was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, the Women of the Moose, The American Legion and the Rebecca Lodge. She devoted countless hours to different charities, she was very caring and charitable woman and found great reward in helping others. Maxine loved to read, collect recipes, and keep tabs on her family. Maxine never had children and from that grew a great love for children, she doted on her nieces, and adored her nephews and always paid extra close attention to them on special occasions. Through her travels Maxine became the guardian over her family, if you had lost touch with a family member or just wanted to check in; all you had to do was call Maxine and she knew the answer; she was glue that held the entire family together stretching from California to New York. She is survived by 2 brothers Richard and his wife Betty Eden of Nowata, and Lyndel Ray and his wife Barbara Murphy of Aurora, Missouri, 1 brother in law Alvie Sparkman and his wife Selma of Bartlesville, 1 sister in law Leona Sue Eden of Lenapah, 6 nieces Leona Eden of Nowata, Judy Eden of Nowata, Stephine and her husband Kurt Wells of Varidale, Washington, Susan and her husband Reed Estes of Oklahoma City, Cheri Eden of California, and Donna Sparkman of California, 4 nephews Rick Eden of Nowata, Jackie Hanson and his wife wife Renee of New York, Jerry Hanson of New York, and Charlie and his wife Shelly Eden of California, and 1 very dear cousin Dena and her husband Rev. Bob Morris of Broken Arrow, numerous other extended family members and friends. Maxine was preceded in death by her parents James and Inez Eden, 2 sisters Lorene Hanson, and Sue Inez Eden, 2 brothers Bill Eden, and Jimmy Joe Eden and 1 niece Sharon Kay Eden. Services for Mrs. Sparkman are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 10, 2009 in the Benjamin Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bob Morris officiating. Final committal rites will be accorded Mrs. Sparkman in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Nowata next to her beloved husband William. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 9, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and up to service time on Thursday.Online condolence may be left for the family at www.honoringmemories.com Funeral arrangements and services were entrusted with Benjamin Funeral Home.

Service Details

Thursday, September 10th, 2009 2:00pm, Benjamin Funeral Home

Interment Details

Nowata Memorial Park Cemetery