Wilma Sparber

Wilma J. Sparber, age 92 of Girard, peacefully completed her long journey of love on Thursday, February 3, 2022.

She was born on November 16, 1929, the daughter of the late Paul and Pearl Platz Grettler.

Wilma was a 1947 graduate of Rice Avenue Union High School in Girard.  She was a loving wife of 65 years to John R. Sparber.  Her indomitable, spitfire will got her through raising, on the farm, 4 headstrong kids, while her truck-driving Johnny was on the road.  Her intuitive, wise, warm spirit always drew people and animals to her.  She was known for her signature laughter that filled the room.  From her early years, she was quite the “looker” and to the end, possessed a natural class and grace.  Wilma’s huge, generous, mother’s heart, touched and nurtured many lives, including her extended family.  She enjoyed baking, gardening, going to garage and yard sales, shopping and loved her puppy Rusty.  She attended Girard Alliance Church and Girard Methodist Church.  She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Lodge 22.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband John R. Sparber; brothers Howard and Paul Grettler and sister Katherine Grettler at birth.

She is survived by her sons, Dale P. (Sandy) Sparber and James R. (Lynne) Sparber; her daughters Brenda Jean English and Carol Sue (William) Hornaman; her grandchildren John “Jack” Sparber, Ashley (Josh) English Holiday, Sarah (Levi) Kibbe and Aaron (Marlaine) English; her great grandchildren, Dylan, Kyleigh, Ellason, Reid, Annaston, Caelynn, Blakeley, Camden, and Connor; her brother Vern (Elaine) Grettler and her sister in law Carolyn Grettler and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Tuesday at the Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main St. East. Girard from 2:00-4:00PM and 6:00-8:00PM and on Wednesday from 9:30AM until the time of service at 10:30 with Pastor Clyde Davis officiating.  Burial will be in Girard Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Girard Methodist Church, 48 Main Street, Girard, PA 16417, the Rice Avenue Community Public Library, 705 Rice Avenue, Girard, PA 16417, the Girard Alliance Church, 229 Rice Avenue, Girard, PA 16417 or the ANNA Shelter, 1555 East 10^th Street, Erie, PA 16511.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.