Wandalean “Wanda” Sparks Rogers of Ravenna passed away peacefully at her home on June 1st, 2024 at the age of 84. Born to the late Elera Sparks and Edith Hatton Sparks, she was the first of 12 children. Wanda married her first love, Sonny, in the summer of 1958 and spent 64 years building a beautiful life with him before his passing in 2022. A woman of many talents, she was an avid gardener, baker, canner, quilter, and caretaker. She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, her husband, Sonny, and her son, Greg.
Lovingly referred to as “the hornet” by close family - Wanda was known for her fiery red hair, her matching spirit, and her mile-long stubborn streak. Her stubbornness showed the most in her determination to take care of those around her. She enjoyed feeding her loved ones to the point of belly aches, covering us up when we were cold or even when we weren’t, and never taking “I’m okay, I promise” as an answer. Like the flowers in her garden, she nurtured every single one of us and loved to brag that we were the prettiest around.
Wanda spent the last stage of her life still tending to all those she loved dearly - a daughter, Sandy Rogers (Maggie), a son, Doug Rogers (Verna), 5 grandchildren, Paige Fugate (Michael), Jonathan Rogers (Ciairia), Jacob Rogers, Laura Rogers (Travis), and Mariah Rogers (Phillip), and 9 great-grandchildren, Emilee, Nick, Shyanna, Gabriel, Elijah, Magnolia, Evelyn, Millie, and AJ. She enjoyed special visits from her siblings Deborah (Chad) Hensley, Randall (Mary) Sparks, and Donald Sparks and the company of many caretakers over the last few years.
Although she leaves behind a space that cannot be filled on the mountain she called home, we believe that Wanda is finally at peace after a long awaited return to her husband and son - and that if there were ever any doubts, you can rest assured that no one is hungry in heaven now.
To honor her, we hope that you will find the reward in feeding others - whether that be by having a meal with your friends and family or donating your time to feed complete strangers. The family requests any monetary donations be made to Paws 4 the Cause out of Lexington, KY - because Wanda’s cooking fed plenty of four legged friends as well.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, June 4, 1 PM at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. George Sparks officiating. Burial will be at the Mountain Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 11 AM to 1 PM.
Pallbearers: Maggie Griffen, Laura Rogers, Jake Rogers, Aaron Boyd, Phillip Anderson, and Eddie Chaney
Honorary Pallbearers: Darrell Spencer and Deborah Hensley
