Kathy Ann Sparks, 71, of Dixon, was born September 25, 1949, at Canton, Ohio, a daughter of Jim and Evelyn (Porter) Gaetano, and departed this life Wednesday, February 24, 2021, in University of Missouri Hospital, Columbia.

She was united in marriage July 16, 1985, at Winchester, Virginia, to Paul Philip Sparks.

Kathy was baptized in 1992, and during her working life, was a devoted housewife and homemaker to her husband and family. Activities she especially enjoyed included sewing, crocheting, and cross stitching.

Those left to mourn the passing of Kathy include: Her husband, Paul, of the home in Dixon; four children, Toni Schafer (Mark), Akron, Ohio; Tammy Wagner, Kalamazoo, Michigan; Keith Wagner, state of Florida; and Scott Wagner (Alina), Canton, Ohio; three step-children, Michael Sparks (Bobbie Jo), Dixon; Jeffry Sparks, Canton, Ohio; and Laura Thompson, Canton, Ohio; fifteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Evelyn Gaetano; one sister and two brothers, Carol (Gaetano) Kubwright, Jim Gaetano, and Charles Gaetano; one step-son, David Sparks, at the age of 3 months in 1970; and daughter-in-law, Dawn Sparks.

A family graveside service is being planned for Mrs. Sparks and will be held in Forest Hill Cemetery, Canton, Ohio, followed by her interment there as well. Arrangements are by the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home in Dixon with correspondence to the family of Mrs. Kathy Ann Sparks mailed in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. EE, Dixon, Missouri 65459.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mrs. Kathy Ann Sparks are suggested by her family to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or in care of funeral home address above.