News Summary
Ann Sparks, a cherished member of the Bowling Green community, passed away at the age of 80. Known for her dedication to family and service, her legacy impacts many. The funeral service will be held on Saturday at Johnson Vaughn Phelps Funeral Home, where family and friends can pay their respects.
Bowling Green – Ann Sparks, an esteemed member of the Bowling Green community, passed away at the age of 80 on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Christian Health Care. Her death marks the end of a life rich in love, service, and dedication to her family and community.
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Ann was the daughter of the late Harry and Dorothy Ellis Jenkins. She also had one brother, John Jenkins, who preceded her in death. Ann graduated from Western Kentucky University, where she laid the foundation for her professional career as a dietitian at the University of Kentucky.
Throughout her life, Ann was deeply involved in her local churches. She was a long-time member of the First Christian Church, dedicating countless hours as a volunteer with the bereavement meal committee and assisting in the church nursery. Her commitment to helping others defined her character and contributed significantly to her community.
Ann enjoyed a loving marriage of 60 years to her husband, Lee Sparks. Together they raised three sons: David Sparks, Shawn Sparks (married to Melissa), and Andrew Sparks (married to Whitney), as well as one daughter, Jennifer Flanigan (married to Chris). Family was at the heart of Ann’s life, and she took pride in her six grandchildren: Mallory, Olivia, Leah, Turner, Kate, and William Sparks. Ann was known for her unwavering love and devotion to her family, which remained her greatest accomplishment.
In addition to her immediate family, Ann leaves behind several nieces and nephews, who will remember her for her kindness and nurturing spirit. Her legacy is celebrated by those whose lives she touched through her volunteer work and familial devotion.
The funeral service for Ann Sparks is scheduled for 12:00 PM on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Johnson Vaughn Phelps Funeral Home. Following the service, burial will take place at Bowling Green Gardens. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation hours, which will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. An additional visitation will be offered on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Foundry Christian Community Center, located at 531 W 11th Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. This charitable contribution will honor Ann’s philanthropic spirit and her commitment to serving others.
Ann Sparks’ passing is a significant loss to her family and the Bowling Green community at large. Her dedication to both her loved ones and her community has left an enduring impact that will be felt by many.
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Additional Resources
- Bowling Green Daily News: Ann Sparks Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Marin Independent Journal: Jeanne Ann Sparks Obituary
- Google Search: Ann Sparks Obituary
- Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Obituary
- Google Scholar: Ann Sparks
- Dignity Memorial: Peggy Bybee Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- BG Falcon Media: Marcus Hill
- Google News: Bowling Green
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
