Kristi Lynne Sparks, 66, North Manchester, passed away surrounded by her loving family on December 19, 2023, at her home. The daughter of the late Robert Sherman and Arline Ruth (Needham) Kline, Kristi was born in Wabash on August 10, 1957. She grew up in Sidney, Indiana, where she enjoyed playing with her brother and sisters, riding horses, and riding in a sleigh.
Kristi graduated from Whitko High School in 1976 and worked at Heckman Bindery in North Manchester as a teenager. During this time, she met a sweet young man named Alexander Sparks, and the two were wed on September 22, 1979. They were blessed with two children, Anthony “Tony” and Stephanie. Kristi wanted her family to be close, much like what she experienced growing up with her parents and siblings. She loved her children dearly and lived for her grandchildren. Kristi delighted in spending time with her family and supporting them at all of their events, where she wore a smile and beamed with pride.
Kristi was kind in every way possible. From the gentle care shown to animals working as a veterinary technician for many years to the helpfulness she extended to patrons while employed at Lance’s New Market until retirement, Kristi was always ready to put others before herself. In Kristi’s free time she enjoyed line dancing. She traveled to many different places to dance and participate in parades. Kristi also liked going to Shipshewana with her sister and eating at the Das Dutchman Essenhaus.
The loving memory of Kristi Lynne Sparks will be forever cherished by her husband, Alexander Sparks, North Manchester; children, Anthony (Megan) Sparks, Noblesville and Stephanie (Ryan) Niccum, North Manchester; grandchildren, Edison Sparks, Owen Sparks, Karsen Niccum, Brecken Niccum, and Tucker Niccum; brother, Robert L. Kline, Wabash; sisters, Sharon Thomson, Lagro, Connie (Archie) Alger, North Manchester, and Peggy (Dewey) Davis, Silver Lake. Kristi was preceded in death by her parents; sister-in-law, Cindi Kline; and brother-in-law, Sam Thomson.
Family and friends may call Saturday, December 30, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Burial will take place at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery, 421 North Maple Ave., Warsaw, Indiana 46580.
The family of Kristi Lynne Sparks has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements. Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com