Dorothy June Sparks

Dorothy June Sparks, 95, of La Monte, MO, passed away on December 17, 2024, at Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center in Sedalia. She was born on October 9, 1929, in Warrensburg, MO, the daughter of Herman Joseph Rieckhoff and Lillie Olga (Dallman) Rieckhoff, who preceded her in death.

On May 9, 1948, in La Monte, MO, she was united in marriage to William Charles Sparks, who preceded her in death on March 5, 2011.

Dorothy was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sweet Springs in May 14, 1942. She was also a charter member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Sedalia in June 5, 1960. She graduated from Bleak Mound Grade School in May 1942, LaMonte High School in May 1946 and attended Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO, after high school. Dorothy taught two years at Crystal Springs Rural Grade School in LaMonte, MO, and one year at St. Paul's Lutheran School in Sedalia. She then went to work for Federal Civil Services at Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster. After 28 years of service she retired to enjoy spending time with family, watching her grandchildren and great-grandchild grow, reading, shopping, growing flowers, watching the birds -- especially the cardinals -- and sending cards to family friends and neighbors for any event or holiday that occurred. She was an active volunteer for 4-H activities and Friends of the Library.

Dorothy is survived by two children, Gordon (Kay) Sparks and Charla (Alvin) Jording both of LaMonte; three grandchildren, James Sparks of LaMonte, Alissa (Steve) Bruner of Warrensburg, and Jamie (Steve) Dehan of Lenexa, KS; five great-grandchildren, Peyton, Alayna, and Hadley Bruner of Warrensburg, and Elijah and Samuel Dehan of Lenexa, KS, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides her parents, and husband, Dorothy was also preceded in death by two brothers, Eldon and Wayne Rieckhoff; two brothers-in-law, Jewel Sparks and George Riddle; four sisters-in-law, Patricia Rieckhoff, Scotty Scotten, Nellie Riddle, Lillian Sparks, and a niece, Stacey (Rieckhoff) Davis.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, with Pastor Andrew Tessone officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

The burial will be at La Monte Cemetery, La Monte, MO.

Honorary bearers will be James Sparks, Mark Rieckhoff, Dwayne Rieckhoff, Paul Rieckhoff, Zach McCoy, John Fowler, Zach Trauschke, and Jerry Blakely.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church or the Pettis County 4-H Foundation or to a charity of the donor's choice in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.