Sharon Marie Sparling, 82

Sharon Marie Sparling was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Nov. 18, 2020, after a very short, but very brave, battle with pancreatic cancer.

Sharon was born on Nov. 25, 1937 — Thanksgiving Day — to Henrie and Marvel Nichol. She was raised in Libby, then Kalispell. For a while, the family lived on a farm where Sharon learned to play the piano — a skill she would carry her entire life and use to bless many, many people. When she moved to Kalispell in the third grade, she met the future love of her life, Robert “Bob” Sparling, in Sunday School. The two began dating in high school. After high school, they left Montana to attend Pacific Lutheran University. They married on June 8, 1957, just after finishing their freshman year of college. They lived for a short time in Oregon, where Bob attended school to become a civil engineer.

Sharon and Bob eventually settled back in Tacoma, Washington, where they raised their three children, Kathy, Jill and Bruce, in a home filled with love. Sharon taught piano lessons to children in the neighborhood for many years, and played the piano on Sundays at church when they attended St. Mark's Lutheran Church. She made many, many friends over the years, mostly through her dedicated involvement with her church (St. Mark's, then Life Center). She adored her Bible Study group and loved hosting monthly birthday parties to make sure each lady had their special day celebrated in the group. She also volunteered in the church's thrift shop and was determined to be a blessing to every person who stopped in. Everyone who met her was drawn to her warm smile, and even warmer heart.

Sharon loved taking trips year-round with Bob, and often with their many friends, too. Some of their favorite travels took them fishing in Canada; visiting family in Montana; seeing the beautiful sights in California and Arizona; touring the Holy Lands; and learning more of their family history in Norway, where both their families had originated. As with everything in her life, Sharon always enjoyed the journey just as much as the destination, and had many favorite stops and sights to see along their drives.

Sharon celebrated everything, big and small. There was always something to be joyful or thankful for in any situation. Autumn was her favorite season, and she always looked forward to preparing her home for her family's Christmas Eve party every year. Sharon loved her family more than any Earthly thing, and her greatest joy was being "Grammy" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who loved and adored her.

Preceding Sharon in death were her parents, Henrie and Marvel Nichol, and her daughter, Jill Marie Scherrer (Scott "Joe" Scherrer). She leaves behind her devoted husband Bob, her brother Ron Nichol (Karen), her daughter Kathy Lumsden (Terry), son Bruce Sparling (Cindy), grandsons Sean, Tommy and Jack; granddaughters Jenny, Stephanie and Isabel; great-grandsons Zach, Alex, Cooper, Nick and Brock; and her first great-granddaughter Lillian Marie, who is due to arrive in March. She also leaves behind many beloved cousins, nieces, and countless friends who loved her dearly. We will miss her forever, especially her big smile, warm hugs, contagious laugh and loving friendship.

As Sharon left this home and transitioned into heaven, she exclaimed "Wow!" — and we can only imagine the beauty and glory that awaited her. She was a model example of living a joyful, Christ-centered life, and we cannot wait to see her again!

At this time, we are unfortunately holding off on planning a formal service to honor her beautiful life. When one is planned, we will notify her friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp. Memorial donations can be sent to the Camp at 603 Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901 with a notation "For Sharon Sparling." Memorials can be designated for Facility; Camperships (so no young campers are denied this Bible camp experience); or a Courtyard Paver.