Maura Elizabeth Sparks

Maura Elizabeth (Larkin) Sparks, age 85, of Pierce City, MO passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Cox-Monett in Monett, MO. She was born in Pierce City, MO on Saturday, March 2, 1940; daughter of Edward Patrick and E. Carol (Higgins) Larkin. Maura married Perry Jackson Sparks on Monday, August 6, 1962, in Pierce City, MO. Maura graduated from Pierce City High School in 1958. She attended Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas, for two years. In 1960 she became an airline stewardess for Delta Airlines, where she traveled the world until her marriage in 1962. During Maura and Perry’s marriage they transferred often, living in over ten states, while Perry was employed as a General Manager with the W. T. Grant company. At the age of 50, Maura graduated cum laude from Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas with a degree in Paralegal Studies. She was gainfully employed at many of Dallas’ top law firms. Following their retirements, Maura and Perry built their forever home just outside of Pierce City on land homesteaded by Maura’s grandfather. They became active members of the community, which included their passion for the Pierce City Senior Center and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Maura was a member of the St. Mary’s Council of Catholic Women and was co-chair of the funeral circle for many years. Maura took pride in her years of service and her and Perry’s work towards building the new Senior Center after the 2003 tornado destruction of the old Center. Maura served for many years as president of the Pierce City Senior Center. She was active in the Silver Haired Legislature and represented her district for several years. She served on the Cox Monett Hospital Board, was a member of the Lawrence County Senior Tax Board, served on the Lawrence County Council on Aging for ten years, and was certified by AARP to teach safe driving courses to seniors. In 2010, Maura received the Dale Taunton Helping Hands Award. In 2018, she was given the Missouri Senior Service Award, presented in Jefferson City by Lt. Governor Michael Parson. Maura was an avid gardener and became a master gardener through the University of Missouri Extension. She enjoyed traveling and made many trips to Europe and beyond. She relished nothing more than enjoying her granddaughter’s success at her many sporting events, as well as her dance and piano recitals. Maura’s latest greatest adventure was traveling to Peru and climbing Machu Picchu. Surviving are the following: one daughter, Lisa (Michael) Larkin of Jefferson City, MO; one granddaughter, Madeline Larkin; four siblings, Jim (Evelyn) Larkin, Sheila Scott, Bridget Cromer, and Kevin Larkin; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. Maura was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Elizabeth Larkin; her husband, Perry Sparks; a brother, Terrance Larkin; and a niece, Stacey Mitchell. The family will receive friends at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pierce City, MO on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Memorial Mass will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pierce City, MO on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, beginning at 11:00 AM with Father Matt Rehrauer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Pierce City, MO. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either the “University of Missouri”, University of Missouri Advancement, 407 Reynolds Alumni Center, Columbia, MO 65211 or gifts may also be done online at mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/support-ALS. Or Team Gleason Foundation, PO Box 24493, New Orleans, LA 70184. After Maura’s ALS diagnosis she became an advocate, volunteering for ALS research. After Maura’s diagnosis of ALS in January 2024, she became an advocate, volunteering for ALS research studies. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.

Maura Elizabeth Sparks

March 2, 1940 - May 19, 2025

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Maura Elizabeth Sparks

March 2, 1940 - May 19, 2025

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