On November 18, 2023, the world lost its luster as Marie Alice Oliver (Sparks), 84, of Mexico, returned home to her heavenly Father after a short battle with illness.

On July 13, 1939, Marie Alice Sparks was born in Wadena, IA, to Edgar and Harriett (O'Dell) Sparks, one of nine children.   Their family relocated to Missouri where she met and married to Harry E. Oliver on February 2, 1959.  Prior to divorce, their union took them across the Midwest before finally settling back in Missouri, living between Laddonia and Mexico where they raised their children, Pat Short of Madisonville, KY, Harry Jr., Larry W., Becky A. (Kenny) Shaw of Mexico, Gary L. and Ace D.

Marie lived life with her heart on her sleeve, going out of her way to serve her community including the care of single expectant mothers.  After health difficulties, she moved to Pin Oaks Nursing Home where she was always ready with a feisty remark and her tongue sticking out.

Marie is survived by her siblings Bobby Sparks, Marilyn Garcia, Betty Early, and Lily Deimeke; children, Pat, Becky and Kenny; grandchildren, Aaron (Ashley) of Lee's Summit, MO and Victoria of Bowling Green, KY; great-grandchildren, Brenner, Kenley, and Calum of Lee's Summit, Natalie Short of Madisonville, KY, Kiersten, Amare, Angel, Aaliyah, and Alex; and great-grand-dog, Benny.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Stanley, Leland, Mary Blair, Shirley Gilman; children, Harry Jr, Gary, Larry, and Ace; and grandchild, Summer.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 22, at Arnold Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.

Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to the Help Center or Pin Oaks Activities Fund.