C. Lucille Sparling was called to the Lord early Saturday morning from the skilled nursing facility at her residence in Foxwood Springs in Raymore, Missouri.
She was born in Miller, Missouri on June 27, 1920, the daughter of Loyd and Wava (Bryant) Dilday.  Lucille spent her childhood there excelling in school, enjoying music and bobber fishing in local creeks (a pastime she enjoyed her entire life).  She graduated from Miller High School in 1938. She then attended Missouri Teacher College (now Missouri State University) and graduated with a degree in elementary education.
While attending college she began dating the circuit-riding pastor at the Methodist Church in Miller, George E. Sparling. Following her college graduation they married and she moved to Dallas, Texas where George completed seminary at Southern Methodist University. During this time they enjoyed acting as dorm parents.
They returned to Missouri after George's graduation from seminary and began their ministry together in a wide variety of assignments in Missouri's United Methodist churches, beginning in Deering where their son, Bruce, was born. They then served in Salem where their daughter, Jan, was born. They continued to faithfully minister to congregations in De Soto, Joplin, Sedalia, Liberty, and Poplar Bluff.  Then, Rev. Sparling was appointed District Superintendent of the South St. Louis District. St. James was their final church home before retiring in Springfield, Missouri.   A few years after George's passing, Lucille moved to Foxwood Springs Retirement Community in Raymore, Missouri in 2011 to be closer to family. Lucille loved her family unfailingly. She was a beloved mom, mother-in-law, grandma and great grandma, who made each one of her family feel uniquely cherished.
During her many transitions, Lucille would find a wonderful network of friends and service opportunities in each new city as a part of her 60+ years as a member in the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
Throughout her life, Lucille put others needs and desires in front of her own without viewing it as a sacrifice. Her caring friendship has touched lives in every locale, and her quick one-liners and laughter will be fondly remembered.
In addition to her parents, Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. George E. Sparling, and sister, Avanelle Barnett. She is survived by son Bruce and wife Cindy; daughter Jan Sparling-Herring and husband Lyndon; grandson Dr. Jeff Sparling and wife Carrie, and great granddaughters Kate and Charlotte; grandson Dr. David Sparling and wife Dr. Crystal Sparling, and great granddaughter Grey; and nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 5, 2016 in Miller Memorial Gardens, Miller, MO with a Memorial service to follow at 10:30 a.m. in Schweitzer United Methodist Church, Springfield. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 4, 2016 in Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel, Springfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief, (check payable to Schweitzer UMC with note:  Sparling Memorial), c/o Schweitzer United Methodist Church, 2747 E. Sunshine, Springfield, MO  65804 or Cottey College, (check payable to Cottey College with note:  Sparling Memorial), 1000 W. Austin Blvd, Nevada, MO 64772.2790.