Marlene Jo SparrowNORTH MANCHESTER – Marlene Jo Sparrow, 89, North Manchester, passed away at home on Dec. 22, 2021.
The daughter of Earl E. and Mabel G. Kintzel Hatfield, Marlene was born Sept. 3, 1932, in Warsaw. Her father had his own refrigeration service business during Marlene’s growing-up years. Her mother was mostly a stay-at-home mother but did clerical work for the business. Marlene was the oldest with a younger brother and sister. She loved to read books from the public library and going to the movies with her father on Saturday afternoons, which was her individual time with him.
Marlene graduated from Warsaw High School in 1950. During high school she was active in 4-H, F.H.A. Girls Athletic Association and was assistant editor for the yearbook. She furthered her education by going to the International Business College in Fort Wayne and taking several classes at IU Extension in downtown Fort Wayne. Marlene had received a full-ride scholarship to attend Ball State in Muncie, but turned it down when she learned she would not receive a refund from International Business College.
Richard Sparrow had dated some of Marlene’s friends so she knew him but their relationship really didn’t develop until the Mermaid Festival in North Webster in 1950. They were married Aug. 31, 1952, in the Warsaw EUB Church. Richard had two more years to complete his degree at Purdue so the couple lived in West Lafayette for those two years. During that time, Marlene worked for a well-known animal nutritionist at Purdue. Following graduation, Richard was called to active duty in the Army during which time they lived in Virginia and in Germany. Since 1961, they have lived in North Manchester where Richard taught vocational agriculture, was advisor for the FFA and also taught related sciences and computers. Marlene was a longtime secretary to attorney J.W. Daggett and from 1969-1979 owned the local franchise of H&R Block. She was also involved with Sparrow’s Carmel Corn from 1978 to 2003.
Richard and Marlene had a daughter and two sons. When the children were still at home, the family’s activities were mostly connected with school, F.F.A. and the United Methodist Church. She was also active as a leader in 4-H and Girl Scouts. Most of Richard’s and Marlene’s travel was to visit their children and for FFA and school activities. However, Marlene did make two tours to Canada. Marlene’s favorite place was Nova Scotia. Richard died in 1998. Marlene was active in the Wabash County Cancer Society and the Retired Teachers. She has been recognized for her work in United Methodist Women, locally and in the district. She was active on the Mission Committee, taught Bible school and Sunday school and worked with youth. Marlene enjoyed reading, especially books by John Grisham, and watching Purdue men’s and women’s basketball.
The loving memory of Marlene Sparrow will be forever cherished by her sons: Randall J (Janice) Sparrow, Waukesha, Wis.; and Ryan J. (Michelle) Sparrow, Haddonfield, N.J.; daughter, Richarda “Ricki” (Keith) Neuman, Lenexa, Kan.; sister, Sue Wade, Sebring, Fla.; and 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Grandchildren are: Eric Neuman, Albuquerque, N.M.; Erin Neuman, Overland Park, Kan.; Emily Neuman, Bentonville, Ark.; Evan Neuman, Overland Park, Kan.; Logan (Sparrow) Underwood, Centerton, Ark.; Robert Sparrow, Casselberry, Fla.; Abigail Sparrow, Haddon Heights, N.J.; Amy (Sparrow) Phelps, Cherry Hill, N.J.; Anna Sparrow, Cherry Hill, N.J.; and Allison Sparrow, Haddonfield, N.J.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl E. and Mabel G. (Kintzel) Hatfield; husband, Richard L. Sparrow; and brother, Eddie Hatfield.
Friends and family may call Friday, Jan. 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 Ind. 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will begin at 5 p.m. Burial will be held Saturday, Jan. 29 at 10 a.m. at Etna Green East, East High Street, Etna Green. The family of Marlene has asked that people attending wear masks.
The family of Marlene has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Marlene Sparrow, memorials may be made to the Richard L. Sparrow Scholarship Fund c/o McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN 46962.
