Eunice Joyce Sparks, 81, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 at Schulenburg Regency Nursing Center.
She was born to Victor and Hermina (Firasek) Rybak on Oct. 11, 1942 at their home near Moravia, guided by a light held by her father. Eunice was a natural born farmer’s daughter – she could be found feeding the animals and then working in the fields of corn and cotton. She was a Czech girl and had to learn to speak English before attending Moravia School, where she made lifelong friends, played softball and met her future husband, F.C. Sparks Jr. F.C. And Eunice were married at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church in Moravia in 1962, making their home on the Sparks farm, where she cherished living with her in-laws until they moved to Victoria. She continued her passion of being in nature, driving the tractor, helping F.C. raise cattle and hay, but always found time to bake F.C. sweet chocolate pies with the perfect flaky crust and beautiful peaked meringue.
A son, Ronald Wayne, was born in 1964, letting her know he was getting ready to greet the world just as she was putting calves to nurse on a Jersey cow. Then in 1966, a daughter, Donna Lynn, was born, continuing the birthing excitement of entering the world feet first.
Eunice was proud of her brother Leroy and his swinging orchestra band, his drums and singing, always allowing family and friends to never forget their heritage. Her sister Betty had an impeccable gift of setting up family gatherings with delicious meals, even allowing Eunice to savor crabs caught at the coast, making a fun night of learning how to crack and eat them. Finally, her sister Cyndi, 13 years younger, was a delightful surprise and Eunice was given the proud honor of pulling her on a pick sack in the cotton fields, telling that story anytime she could. Her niece Joy, with kindness and dedication, always visited at the nursing home and mailed Eunice home baked treats, shipped from California. Nephew Brendon spent many summers in Moravia, always getting full on her cooking, and finally nephew Chris and his accordion music was a constant reminder how blessed Eunice was, to be born into a caring and fun family.
Eunice undoubtedly was an animal lover, had a heart full of compassion for her cherished pets and extended the love far beyond her own, never being able to pass a stray needing help. If a spider was found in the house, she would release it outdoors, loved putting bowls of water out for any thirsty creature, and always walked barefoot feeding her adored chickens and many many peacocks. Her neighbors were always genuine and she loved her rotary telephone talks with each and every one. Eunice was a member of the Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church and Altar Society.
College Place Assisted Living and Schulenburg Regency Nursing Center were home to Eunice for the past 10 years. Kind, tender-hearted and gentle humane friends and staff became her new family. She adored every part of each facility.
She is survived by her son, Ronald Sparks and special friend Glenn Watz; daughter Donna Smith and husband Skip; sister Betty Kloesel and husband Dennis; sister Cyndi Martin and husband Keith; and sister-in-law Joyce Rybak as well as aunts Helen Rybak and MaryAnn Firasek and cousins who she loved dearly.
Eunice was preceded in death by her husband F.C. Sparks; brother Leroy Rybak; and parents Victor and Hermina Rybak.
A private burial was held on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Cemetery. Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials can be made to Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church in Moravia, Gardenia Animal Shelter in La Grange, Hospice of South Texas or charity of one’s choice.