Linda Maxine Sparks of Richmond, IN, passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, April 13, 2026 at Ambassador Healthcare after battling a short illness.

Born on June 15, 1953, in Richmond, Indiana, to William and Hettie Bullock, Linda was often referred to as the baby of the family. She was one of 9 children, having 7 older sisters and 1 older brother.

Linda lived most of her life in Richmond, Indiana, where she met and married her husband of 31 years, Vernon Sparks, on October 9, 1968. Linda and Vernon then had two children Micheal Sparks and Cindy (Sparks) Stanley.

Along with being a mother and homemaker, Linda had many jobs working at Hoffco, Nettle Creek, Shawnee Plastics, Rose City Sportswear, and Judy's Kountry Kitchen, owned by her sister Judy Tyra.

Of her many jobs, the most important one to her was caring for her loved ones. Those who remember Linda will most certainly remember how tenderly she cared for everyone around her. Whether it be cooking, cleaning, or just providing her warmth and loving smile, you could always count on Linda to be there. She was a natural caregiver.

This gift translated to caring for plants, especially flowers as well. She was an excellent gardener. Linda truly had what people would call a "green thumb". Family and friends would marvel at how easily she could plant and grow the most beautiful flowers that would last for years. Her daughter and granddaughter currently have flowers at their own homes that were planted by Linda that continue to pop up year after year.

Along with gardening, Linda enjoyed cooking, listening to country and bluegrass music, being outdoors, reading her Bible, and spending time with those she loved.

Linda leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving children Micheal (Wanneda) Sparks and Cindy (Sparks) Stanley; her grandchildren Tasha (Josh) Turner, Jakob (Chasity) Stanley, Rachel (Devon) Koch, Rileigh Sawyer, and Taylor Jones; her great-grandchildren Logan and Lucas Turner, Wyatt and Westin Sparks, Norah and Grady Koch; Kylen, Eleni, Jack, and Kimoni Lewis; her sisters Janie (Jr.) Powell, Lela Bodiker, Paula Moiser, Judy Tyra, and Shirley Miller; and so many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Vernon Sparks, grandson Austin Sparks, parents William and Hettie Bullock, her sisters Minnie Harrison and Ann Clark, and brother Arthur Bullock.

Friends may call from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Saturday April 18, 2026 at Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home with graveside services following at Goshen Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family via the guestbook at stegallberheideorr.com.