Betty Adelia Watson Sparks

Betty Adelia Watson Sparks, 71, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah after an extended illness. She was born on February 24, 1943 in Pocatello, Idaho to Johnny Owen and Della Patterson Watson. She was the second of nine children. She attended schools in Louisiana and Pocatello before her family moved to Montpelier, Idaho.

On March 7, 1962 she married Delwin Golden Sparks son of Golden Nate and Bird Weaver Sparks. They lived in Soda Springs, Montpelier, Sage Junction, Border and Salt Lake City but made their permanent home in Dingle. To this union four children were born; Susan Gay, Adelia Marie, Lynn Golden and Jannelle Lee. They celebrated 37 years of marriage before Delwin's passing in 1999.

Betty was a very hard worker who did everything she could to help provide for her family. She worked at local cafes, the helmet company, Bear Lake Cleaners and Bear Lake Memorial Hospital. She loved her jobs and all the people that came into her life because of them. If her health had not forced her retirement in 2009 there is no doubt she would still be working. She missed her hospital family and the residents there. She taught her children to always work hard and to have pride in their work, no matter what the job was.

She loved to garden and could grow anything from house plants to perennials and tomatoes. She was a talented artist and painted many beautiful pictures. She crocheted and made many unique items and rarely followed a pattern. Her mind was sharp and she could remember everything. She enjoyed puzzle books and could often be found in her chair working on one while listening to music. Betty loved 50's oldies and classic country and honky tonk. She grew up with her dad and brothers playing guitar and singing and still listened to recordings she had of them.

Mom was a great example of strength and determination. No matter what life threw at her, which was often overwhelming, she was always positive. "What's the alternative?" She was a forgiving person who always had the motto to live and let live. She was an excellent listener and gave the best advice. Family meant everything to her and she was always proud and supportive of her children and grandchildren. She attended nearly every activity they participated in and you could always find her cheering Jordan on at baseball games and wrestling matches. Her grandchildren and their talents brought her so much joy. After losing her husband she looked forward to nothing more than their visits, sleepovers and game playing. She loved for Christmas to come because it brought almost everyone home and of course the decorations and lights.

Betty was a member of the LDS church. She taught primary, cub scouts and joy school. She enjoyed her visiting teachers and always looked forward to them coming.

She is survived by her children: Susan and Troy Poulsen, Green River, WY; Marie and Mark Rasmusson, Dingle, ID; Lynn Sparks, Puyallup, WA and Jannelle and Jeremy Jensen, Paris, ID. Grandchildren: Heather and Cameron Ahrens, Schuyler and Clinton Poulsen, Jordan and Shelby Rasmusson, Abby, Xander and Andi Sparks. Great grandchildren: Harper Poulsen and Marlee Rasmusson. Sisters: Patricia and Jim Lowder, Sheila and Jerry Tueller, Debbie and Richard Brown. Brother, Jerry Watson. Sister in-laws, Irene Watson and Lynette Young and brother in-law Harold and Carol Sparks. Several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, in-laws and siblings; Thomas Morris, Donna Louise, Johnny Ray, and David Gene.

Betty will be missed and remembered by many. We love you, Lou!!

Interment will be in the Dingle, Idaho cemetery.