Elisabeth Ann “Libby” Sparks, age 89, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on December 15, 2025, in Flora. She was born on December 7, 1936, in Cutler, to Mark and Mary Catherine Carter in the big red brick house built by her grandparents.
Libby moved to Flora at the age of five, with her parents who lived in and operated the Carter Funeral Home—now known as Wheeler Family Funeral Home. She was a1956 graduate of Flora High School and attended Purdue University for one year, after which she began raising her family.
Libby began her working career in the office at Carroll County High School. In 1970, she began working at Bright National Bank in Flora, where she faithfully served the community for 26 years until her retirement in 1996. During her time at the bank, she worked first as a teller and later as a loan secretary.
In 1972, she married Robert Sparks, with whom she shared many years until his passing in 2013. Libby embraced life as a farmer’s wife and was a devoted and loving mother, stepmother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Her family, with all of its unique extensions, was the center of her life. She took great joy in supporting, encouraging, and caring for each generation just as her mother had done.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Mark Richard Carter; her sister-in-law, Julia Carter, her stepdaughter, Connie Herron; her great-niece, Jennifer Adams; and her great-granddaughter, Naomi DiCicco.
She is survived by her children: Bill Langston; Laurie Brower; Cindy Cummins (Jay); Mindy Langston; Dick Langston (Julie); Nancy Michael (Bill); Jerry Sparks; and Terry Herron. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Andrew (Elizabeth) Langston; Abby (Ben) Constable; Matt (Jennifer) Brower; Marcia (Justin) Gyles; Elisabeth (Christian) Beck; Emily (Micah) Cutter; Natalie (Joseph) DiCicco; Ryan (Chrissy) Michael; Kris (Amy) Michael;
Karlee (Braden) Rowlett; Katie (Roberto) Cardarelli; and Chad (Sarah) Herron.
Her great-grandchildren include: Isaac Langston, Evan Langston, Kara (Chandler Peplinski) Acord, Alexzia Acord, Lillie Acord, Cameron (Delaney) Langston, Carson Burkle, Cain Burkle, Lennox Constable, Miah Brower, Caleb (Cora) Hernandez, Caitlyn (Colby) Martin, Bailey (Quinton Allen) Boyles, Braxton (Breanna Spottedeagle) Boyles, Carter Beck, Olivia Beck, Louie DiCicco, Jude DiCicco, Sylvie DiCicco, Peter DiCicco, Adeline Michael, Lincoln Michael, Will Michael, Lia Michael, Cristiano Cardarelli, Luciano Cardarelli, Miller Herron, Micah Herron, and Maddox Herron. She was blessed to also welcome two great-great-grandchildren, MaKenna Martin and Sage Langston.
Survivors also include her niece, Janice Dean; her greatnieces, Larissa (Schuwyler) Law, Kelsea (Andrew) Mills; her nephew, Mark Carter; her great-nephews, Adam Carter, Kellen (Brittany)Carter; and other extended family members from throughout the years.
A woman of deep faith, Libby was a lifelong member of the Flora Presbyterian Church, where she served faithfully in many roles, including church treasurer, elder, choir member, Sunday school teacher, organist and pianist, and volunteering with the Oasis mid-week program.
Libby was a talented artist and musician. She was a gifted painter, best known for her China painting, and she spent countless hours painting alongside her mother. Hundreds of personalized, hand-painted baby cups remain cherished keepsakes, along with her many paintings of farm and country scenes. She was also a gifted musician, playing the church organ and piano for many years, and could play nearly anything set before her.
She was actively involved in many organizations and activities throughout her life, including the Silver Bells Home Ec Club, Presbyterian Women, the Bright National Bank Clowns, the Delphi Art Club, and Psi Iota Xi. Libby was known for her generosity—any child with a fundraising project could count on a donation from Libby Sparks. In addition, Libby felt deeply blessed by her lifelong friendships and remained socially active well into her later years. Up until a week before her passing, she was still gathering with friends on Friday nights, going out to dinner, and staying out past midnight playing cards.
Libby is already deeply missed, but will be remembered for her quiet strength, steadfast faith, creative spirit, generosity, love of family, and lifelong devotion to her community. She taught many the value of kindness through her actions each day, and her warmth and compassion touched everyone around her. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the generations who called her Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma.
Visitation was held Saturday, December 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wheeler Family Funeral Home-Baker Chapel, 204 S Center St., Flora. Funeral services began immediately following the visitation, with burial afterward at Ball Hill Cemetery, Cutler. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Libby’s Legacy Community Fund given by Libby Sparks and Laurie Brower, c/o Carroll County Community Foundation, 215 W. Sycamore St., Kokomo, Indiana, 46901–providing grants and scholarships that positively impact the local community. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Libby’s hospice nurse, Lauren Boyle, and Paradigm Health for their special kindness and care. Visit www.wheelerfamilyfuneralhome.com for online condolences.