Gertrude Eliza Sparks

SPARKS, Mrs. Gertrude E.
(Formerly of Kalamazoo, MI)


Age 92, Passed away peacefully in Mishawaka, IN. Surrounded by her family on the evening of December 31, 2018. Born in Lawrence, MI growing up on the family dairy farm and daughter of Fred and Edith Garrod who preceded her in death. Gertrude is survived by her son David (Kathleen) Sparks, Granddaughter Ashley Sparks, Grandson Adam (Ashley) Sparks, Granddaughter Jessica (Peter) Troell and two great-grandchildren and daughter-in-law Claire (Stan) Jagemann. She is also survived by her brothers Rev. Charles Garrod, Fred (Pat) Garrod and sister-in-law Rachel (Robert) Garrod along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Gertrude was preceded in death by her son Stanley and her older brother Robert. Gertrude graduated from Lawrence High school valedictorian of her class and went on to graduate from the Bronson School of Nursing as a Registered nurse. Being an RN was the perfect career for her as she was always concerned with taking care of people whether it was family, friends or strangers. Early in her career she worked at Bronson Hospital and then worked many years in private practice working for Dr. Charles Peake. Gertrude was a devout Christian who lived her beliefs. She was a member of Sunnyside Methodist church in Kalamazoo for over 50 years and attended the First United Methodist Church of Mishawaka for the last 10 years. A celebration of Gertrude's life will be held 3 o'clock Sunday, January 6th at the Sunnyside United Methodist Church, 2800 Gull Rd. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the church. Private burial will be in Mt. Home Cemetery, Kalamazoo at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Sunnyside Methodist Church 2800 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49048 or The Ronald McDonald House of Michiana 610 N. Michigan St STE 310 South Bend, IN 46601. Please visit Gertrude's personalized webpage for directions, online guestbook, or to leave a condolence. Arrangements were made by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, 622 S. Burdick St. www.langelands.com.