Gail L. Sparks

Gail Lea Sparks, age 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 16^th 2020.  She was surrounded by her family in her daughter’s home in Neenah, Wisconsin.  Gail lived a beautiful life and was surely greeted with open arms by her savior, Jesus Christ, in heaven.  She was born April 18, 1939 in Ironton, Ohio, to the late Elmer and Callie (Blagg) Dillow.  She graduated from Ironton High School and started a career as a secretary at Ashland Oil.  She married the love of her life, Richard Sparks on May 20, 1961.

Richard and Gail raised their family in South Point, Ohio, and later in Beulah, North Dakota.  They retired to Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, returning to where they celebrated their honeymoon.  They enjoyed many wonderful years together at Daytona Beach, using their gift of hosting to create countless memories.  Gail was an amazing cook, and took great joy in watching her family enjoy her southern dishes. Gail loved to begin and end her days watching the sunrises and sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean. Some of her passions were music and art, using her gift of music to play piano in countless church services and Sunday School classes.  Fellowship with her church family was a precious gift to her and Richard. But, Gail’s greatest passion was being surrounded by her family.  Gail also found great joy in giving of her time and talents at her church’s thrift store, always showing her love of Jesus.  We will miss her quick wit and amazing sense of humor, as she was usually the quiet one in the room, but always got the last laugh.

She is survived by her daughters: Paula (Barry) Schumaier of Bismarck, ND, Julie (Mike) Schlafman of Neenah, WI.  Grandchildren: Hailey Sparks of Bismarck, ND, Rachel (Trenton) Schwehr of Bismarck, ND, Daria Schumaier of Bismarck, ND, Leah, Alexa and Parker Schlafman of Neenah, WI:  A sister, Sandra (Leon) Holderby of South Point, OH, a brother Paul (Linda) Dillow of Daytona Beach, FL.  She is also survived by many nephews and nieces who she loved very much.  Gail is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Callie Dillow, her husband Richard and her son, Allen.

The family would like to thank her church family at First Baptist Daytona Beach, FL, for all the love and support they have given her.  There will be no service, a celebration of life will be scheduled later for the immediate family.  In lieu of flowers, and to honor Gail’s love of giving, we simply ask for you to donate to your place of worship or favorite charity.