Fern Eileen Sparrow, 99, of Lomax, Illinois, died Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst, Ill.
Fern was born September 25, 1925 in Lomax, the daughter of Clifford E. “Tommy” and Dollie Eckhardt Welch. On January 18, 1952, she married Lloyd Beryl Sparrow at the Church of the Nazarene in Lomax. He preceded her in death April 19, 2025.
Fern lived all of her life in the Lomax area. She was a 1943 graduate of Dallas City High School. After high school, she worked for IAAP during WWII. She then worked for Shaeffer Pen in Fort Madison, where she was active on their softball team. Following her marriage, she worked for her father-in-law at the Lomax Canning Factory. She also sold Avon Products for over 45 years. She was a member of the Avon President’s Club, Lomax Church of the Nazarene and sat on the Lomax Election Board. She enjoyed bowling and especially time spent with her family.
Survivors include five children: Carla (Don) Williams of West Burlington, Lloyd E. (Janie) Sparrow of Ocala, Florida, Ann (Michael) Brooks of Crestview, Florida, Martin Sparrow of Dallas City and Byron (Jennifer) Sparrow of Stronghurst; 11 grandchildren: Adonica (Michael) Gould, Lucas (Kaylyn) Sparrow, John (Stephanie) Sparrow, Chastity (Steve) Heagerty, Marc (Skye Moore) Sparrow, Bobby Sparrow, Danielle Sparrow, Monte Cole, Kaitlin (Matt) McVey, Jacob Sparrow and Mitchell Sparrow, 13 great-grandchildren and one sister-in-law, Jean Anne Sparrow of Salem, Iowa.
Besides her husband of 73 years, Beryl, she was preceded in death by a half brother: Roger Gittings, half sister: Phyllis Pindell and one daughter-in-law: Traci Sparrow.
The funeral service for Fern will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City with Pastor Jordan Knight officiating.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 10 at Banks & Beals in Dallas City.
Cremation will be accorded following services. Burial will be held at a later date in Crane Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been established for Hospice Compassus or the Lomax Fire Department.