Lois Edna Sparks

MONMOUTH & SALEM – Lois died at 95 years of age on December 10th, from COVID-19.  She was a resident at Sweet Bye N Bye Reflections Memory Care, in Salem, Oregon. Lois was born on August 30th, 1925, in Kelso, Washington to Clarence and Melva Mobley. In her youth, she lived in numerous places along the west coast, including California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada. After graduating from High School in Cottage Grove, Oregon, Lois attended the University of Oregon where she earned multiple degrees, including a Masters in Fine Art and Education. It was also where she met her husband, John Sparks Jr.

John and Lois had three children, John, Brad, and Teddie. Professionally, Lois taught high school art, first at Hillcrest, later at South Salem High School and retired from teaching at Central High School in Independence, Oregon. She attended church at First Baptist Salem, First Baptist Monmouth, and lastly, at First Christian Church Monmouth. She was an active multimedia artist, including watercolor, drawing, oil painting, murals, ceramics, calligraphy, printmaking, silk screening and sculpture. She was formerly a member of the Salem Art Association and the Monmouth Garden Club, and part-owner of a Salem art gallery.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband John, and her son Brad. She is survived by her son John, daughter Teddie, and sister Bobbie. Her remains will be interred with her husband John at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. The family plans to have a memorial service at a later time, once able to have in-person gatherings, hopefully this next summer. In lieu of flowers, please wear a mask when around others, and get vaccinated against COVID as soon as it’s available to you.

Farnstrom Mortuary is caring for the family.