Dana Lynn Sparks

Dana Lynn Sparks, 50, of Lebanon and formerly of Connersville, died Thursday afternoon, February 26, 2015, at St. Vincent Hospital and Health Center in Indianapolis. Dana was born July 23, 1964 at Reid Hospital, Richmond to Kyle E. and Patricia Reynolds Sparks. She was a 1982 graduate of Connersville High School and attended the former Marion College for three years in Marion. For the past twenty-nine years, she had been employed at the Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home in Lebanon, beginning in 1986 as a child caregiver to her current position as the development database manager. Dana loved children of all ages and was an outspoken advocate for children’s rights. She was a member of Grand Avenue United Methodist Churchand Kappa Kappa Sigma Sorority. Dana was involved with the greyhound rescue and had fostered several dogs and raised three of her own. In her leisure time, she enjoyed crafts and cake decorating. Dana especially enjoyed the time spent with her friends and was devoted to her family. She was affectionately known as “Aunt Fab” which was short for ‘fabulous.’ In addition to her parents, Kyle and Pat Sparks of Connersville, Dana is survived by her brother: Timothy D. Sparks and his wife, Sheila of Charlottesville, Virginia; her niece and nephew: Morgan and Collin Sparks; her longtime friend, who she considered her sister: Dawn Bevington of Connersville and her children, Abby and Noah Bevington. Dana was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents. A Celebration of Dana’s Life will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Saturday March 21, 2015 at Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home Chapel, 515 W. Camp St. Lebanon, Indiana with Duane Horstman and Nick Weyer officiating. Friends may visit there from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be continued in Connersville at 3:00 p.m. Sunday March 22, 2015 at First Baptist Church, 1211 N. Grand Avenue Connersville with Pastor Mal Gibson and Duane Horstman officiating. Friends may visit at the church from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service. Cremation has been chosen as final disposition. Memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home, PO Box 747 Lebanon, IN 46052, Prison Greyhounds, 2952 Haverhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46240 or TheraPets of Indiana, 10454 Alderwood Court, Fishers, IN 46038. Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.