Lillie Loraine Sparks passed away at 81 years of age January 3, 2017 at Holy Rosary Extended Care. She was born to Dan & Adeline (Maier) Flegel February 5, 1936 in Terry, MT. She was the fifth of eight children. The family had just moved into Terry, MT from south of town so Lillie’s oldest sister could begin school. Lillie lived much of her young life in Prairie County and later married Raymond Sparks. They had one son, Darrell Wade Sparks, on March 20, 1954.
Lillie held many jobs in stores and cafes in the area and after settling in Miles City with Raymond she worked at the Met Café and Red Rock. She spent many years working at Buttrey’s and met many folks from the town over her years there due to her friendly nature. She was honest and straight forward and had a strong work ethic. She was a good cook and good company. She enjoyed outings “with the girls” from work. She was both a loving and loved mother and grandmother.
She worked part time waitressing at Four Bs after she left her tenure at Buttrey’s then retreated to her home life where she tended to her dogs on the property she and Raymond purchased in 1984. Despite much strife and hardship Lillie was humble and wasn’t one to complain. She always had a sense of fairness, even when she was upset with someone. She had an old school knack for cutting the bull, yet she was compassionate and loyal.
After struggling with a brain illness in her final years she leaves this world having deserved better. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Don Flegel of Prescott, AZ, and Ivan Flegel of Albany, OR. She is survived by her sisters, Katherine “Kitty” Sampson of Glasgow, MT, Freda Glenn of Spokane, WA, and Elaine Leifieste of Ogden, UT, and brothers David (Kathy) Flegel of Parump, NV, and Roy (Helen) Flegel of Colorado Springs, CO, as well as her son Darrell Sparks of Missoula, MT, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday January 12, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday January 12, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main
Miles City, MT 59301
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C. Woods says
My condolences. May the Almighty give you comfortin this difficult time.
Kay Carlson says
My dear Lily…I was just looking at pictures of you and mom. You were such good friends for so many years. I’m sure you will see her now that you have both gone on. You were a wonderful lady.
Sharon Volkman says
Lillie was such a nice fun person. We were good friends about 70 years ago – and since. Lillie was such a good, efficient waitress where ever she worked, upstairs in the Red Rock Cafe and the 600 cafe & 4 B’s. A friendly lady with a nice smile.
Jean Trask Brown says
I remember Lillie and her family from the good old days in Terry. We lived a few blocks apart and had a lot in common. And then they moved to Miles City and in later years used to see her at 4-Bs..We always remembered each other. I am so sorry for your loss, I always considered her a friend.
John Shevlin says
Lillie was my favorite customer in 1960 when I started to work at Safeway in Miles City. In later years I worked with Lillie at Buttreys. Lillie was a great person, and great worker. She will be missed by her family.