Rita Louise (Kramer) Sparks, 94, of Milan, OH, passed away on December 21, 2023. Rita was born on April 18, 1929, in Norwalk, OH, to Charles M. Kramer and Olive M. (Ott) Kramer. Rita was a 1947 graduate of St. Paul Catholic High School. She was a loving housewife and mother of five children. Rita married her husband Paul T. Sparks on May 1st of 1948, and they shared a wonderful 72 years of marriage together. Rita ran a beauty shop from her home and worked for Vacationland Federal Credit Union. In her spare time, she enjoyed tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. Rita also loved sewing, baking, knitting, crocheting, rug making, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren. Upon retirement, Rita and Paul would spend several winters in the "tinbox" in Florida. Rita and Paul also traveled to a variety of destinations including Alaska, Hawaii, Myrtle Beach, and cruises to the Caribbean and Panama.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Olive (Ott) Kramer; her siblings, Florence Wagner, Robert Kramer, and Dorothy Kramer; her son, Paul T. Sparks Jr.; and her loving husband, Paul T. Sparks.

Rita is survived by her children, Susan R. Lindenberger of Norwalk, Catharine R. Barnard of Norwalk, Timothy (Lynn) Sparks of Milan, and Thomas (Cindy) Sparks of Milan; her grandchildren, Matt Sparks, Amy Lindenberger, Brian, Brent, and Brandon Barnard, and Hope, and Jimmy Sparks; and ten great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions can be made to Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH.

Rita's family would also like to thank the nursing staff at the Willows of Willard for their loving care.

Rita's visitation will be held on Thursday, January 4th, 2024, at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 West Main St., Norwalk, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on the same day at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 145 Center St., Milan at 1:30 p.m.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting: www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com