Karlyne Sparks' Obituary
Family and friends are mourning the loss of Karlyne Abele Sparks who died early Thursday (Feb. 11) at home in San Mateo after months of declining health. She was 78. Born on the Yakima Indian Reservation, Karlyne became one of Washington state's favorite daughters, chosen Miss Washington in 1949 and becoming 3rd runner-up for Miss America in 1950. Under contract to Universal Studios, Karlyne was a familiar face on the big screen as a background player in a host of feature films in the 1950's. A chance encounter at a Western Airlines gate in 1959 led to a career with Western that would span most of her adult life. A passionate fan of the West's great independent airline, Karlyne retired following Western's merger with Delta in the late 1980's. It was during Western's expanding presence at SFO in the mid-60's that Karlyne met and fell in love with the carpenter-in-charge, Frank Sparks. They were married in 1966 and spent the rest of their lives together. Frank died in March, 2008. The daughter of the late Carl and Thora Abele, Karlyne is survived by her daughter Marni Kate Sparks and grandson Benjamin Karl Sparks, both of San Mateo; and her three sons, Kenn, Charlie and David Sparks, San Francisco native sons who now live in South Carolina. Funeral services will be Thursday at 11 AM at Skylawn Memorial Park on Highway 92 in San Mateo. Karlyne loved her family, her friends and animals, hers and everyone elses! She was an activist with the Homeless Cat Network and provided food and care for a menagerie of wildlife from deer to coyote to raccoons, squirrels and an endless line of dogs and cats. The kingdom of life will miss her deeply. Instead of flowers please make a contribution in her name to the Peninsula Humane Society.
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