Mitzi LeLane Sparks

Mitzi LeLane Sparks was born on November 27, 1959, in Tachikawashi, Japan. On December 24, 1959, she came home to be with her family as one of the best Christmas gifts. Her parents, George Perry Sparks and Lillian (Warham) Sparks were stationed in Japan due to George being in the military. They stayed in Japan for four years before coming to Lebanon, Missouri in 1965. Mitzi grew up in Lebanon where she attended school and graduated from Lebanon High School with the Class of 1977. She continued her education at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield and while there worked at Service Merchandise retail store. In the early 1980’s, Mitzi decided to move to New York City where she worked as a nanny and continued her education. She came back to Missouri in 2006 and settled in Waynesville where she remained the remainder of her days. After coming to Waynesville, Mitzi began working for Wal-Mart and stayed there several years before beginning to work for the Pulaski County Tourism office. She lovingly served all of her customers no matter where she worked, and she loved visiting with them. In her spare time, Mitzi loved spending time with her beloved kitty cats who were like her children, Frankie, Sassie, and Mufasa. She was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and liked watching the games. Mitzi was a very giving and community minded person who loved to volunteer with many different community projects. She had made a profession of faith and was a faithful member of the Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Robert where she served on different church boards and also as a Sunday School teacher. Mitzi went home to be with her Lord Friday, January 31, 2025, in the Mercy Hospital of Springfield, Missouri having attained the age of 65 years. She will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved her. She leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Linda Schmitz of Waynesville, MO; nieces and nephews: Dawn Merrill (Kenneth), Lillian Massie, James Mayfield II, Holland Shaughnessy (Michael), Brenda Gray (Mike), George Schmitz (Sandy), and Jennifer Robertson (Danny); fifteen great-nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other family members and many friends. In addition to her parents, Mitzi was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, George Schmitz. Even though she is gone from our sight, Mitzi’s loving and giving spirit will live on in our hearts forever. Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 10, 2025 in the Faith Evanbelical Lutheran Church of St. Robert, Missouri with Pastor John Perling officiating. Serving as escorts were George Schmitz, Kenny Merrill, Mike Gray, Mike Shaughnessy, Cody Gray, and Colton Schmitz. Serving as honorary escort was James Mayfield II. Burial followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Mitzi LeLane Sparks

November 27, 1959 - January 31, 2025