Arlene Sparks, 93 of Troy, Ohio, passed away on March 5, 2022 at her residence. Born on December 23rd, 1928 in Portsmouth, Ohio to the late Ross Cox and Laura Cox Holbrook. She is preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, Woodrow Holbrook, sisters, Pauline Horn and Jean Parsons, and brother, Ross Cox II.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Estill Sparks, and son, Bobby Sparks.

She is survived by daughters Laura and Bruce Myers and Nancy Sparks, both of Troy; daughter-in-law Jana Sparks of Troy; grandchildren Angela (Rich) Booker, Russell Sparks, Stefany (Kyle) Stuchell, Kyle (Misty) Cruea and Adam (Ashley) Cruea; her great grandchildren Logan Phillips, Trey, Brady and Hailey Sparks, Parker and Dalton Stuchell, and Kale Cruea. She is also survived by many extended family members including a sister-in-law, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Arlene attended school for numerous years at the Masonic Widows and Orphans Home in Louisville, Kentucky and was a graduate of Sandy Hook High School, in Sandy Hook, Kentucky. She received her bachelor's degree in education from Wright State University.

Arlene retired from being a 2nd Grade teacher at Elizabeth School, Miami East School District, after 32 years.  She was a member of the Cove Spring Grange, the Pomona Grange and the Crescent Hill Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. She attended Alcony Grace Church, where she was a member of the Women's Guild.

Over everything else, her greatest joy was her family! She was very proud of all their accomplishments, loved spending time with them and spoiling them! They were the world to her!

She enjoyed her many friends. She loved her time spent taking swim classes at the YMCA, taking chartered bus trips and was a dedicated fan of UK Basketball and Nascar. She looked forward to her meetings and time spent with the Christian's Women's group and the Miami East retirees 'Breakfast Gang'.  She also enjoyed gardening and watching the birds.

Arlene was one of a kind with a big heart that will be missed by many.

Contributions in memory of Arlene can be made to the Miami East Alumni Scholarship Fund in care of The Troy Foundation: The Troy Foundation, 216 W. Franklin Street, Troy, Ohio 45373.

Services are being handled by Baird Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, March 10, 2022 from 10:00AM to 1:00PM. Cove Spring Grange service will begin at 1:00PM with the Funeral Service to follow.  Dr. Robb Barlow will officiate. Final interment will be at the Casstown Cemetery.

Miami East Alumni Scholarship Fund
% The Troy Foundation, 216 West Franklin Street, Troy OH 45373