Shirley Sparrow

Devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Shirley Ann Sparrow left this earthly existence on April 8, 2013 at the age of 71. Shirley was born January 19, 1942 in Newdale, Idaho to Carlos and Lydia "Sadie" Briggs. According to mom, she was a "blonde, scrawny little fart." As a young child, she was nicknamed "Maggie", short for Magpie because she talked so much. On July 14, 1960, at the age of 18, she married Stephen J. Stanley in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together they had two sons, Rodney Lee (passing shortly after birth) and John Kenneth. On November 14, 1964, Stephen was killed in a truck/train accident. In January 1968, she met Gerald Lloyd Sparrow at a single adult dance. Mom said, "When Gerald walked through the door, I turned to my friend and said, 'I'm going to marry him." They only danced a half of dance that night. Their courtship was a short 4 months. Dad didn't get a chance to propose because as mom recalled, "I jerked his arm to get the ring. I didn't have to think twice." She married Gerald Lloyd Sparrow on May 24, 1968 in Logan, UT. She was thrilled to inherit four more kids with this union; Ken, Rod, Brad, and Jeraldine. They were later blessed with 3 more children; Shellie, Sandra, and Jeremy. She often referred to her family as a "yours, mine, and ours" family. May 24 th would have marked their 45 th anniversary. She was a member of the LDS church. Her life of service began at an early age. She was 14 when she was called to teach primary. She also served as a Relief Society and Primary President. She was a meticulous record keeper which helped her when she served as the secretary in many auxiliaries. As a single mother, she worked hard as a secretary and a waitress to provide for her and Ken. After she married dad, she was able to pursue her true passion of being a mother and homemaker. She loved to cook and experiment with new recipes. Throughout her life, she struggled with many health problems. She was not a complainer and when asked how she was, she always said, "I'm just fine!" She lived a life of service, always seeking opportunities to help others. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her. Mom was proceeded in death by her parents, 3 sisters, 2 brothers, a husband, a son, Rodney Lee, a granddaughter Shantay, and two great granddaughters Darcee A. and Brandy Lynn. She is survived by her devoted husband, Gerald Lloyd, children Ken (Tammy) Sparrow, Rod (Susan) Sparrow, Brad (Kathy) Sparrow, Jeraldine Acosta, Ken (Linda) Stanley, Shellie (Mike) Hoffman, Sandy (Paul) Eddington, Jeremy (Laurie) Sparrow all from Pocatello, a brother , Robert Briggs of St. Anthony, 24 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at the Cedar 4th Ward LDS Chapel on Cedar and Poole. A visitation will be held at Colonial Funeral Home on Friday evening April 12, 2013 from 6 - 9:00 P.M. as well as one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Burial will follow services at Restlawn Memorial Gardens.