Verlene May Sparr, the daughter of Vearl and Neva Adkins Creek was born May 21, 1933 in Nebraska City, Nebraska. She passed away on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 79 years and 9 days. Verlene was born and raised in Nebraska City, NE. She graduated from the Nebraska City High School in l951 and attended one year of college at Peru State. Verlene was united in marriage to Eugene ""Gene"" Sparr on January 2, 1954 in Nebraska City. They lived in Nehawka, NE until 1958, when they moved to the Red Oak area. Verlene and Gene made their home on several farms over the years, as Gene worked as a farmhand. While living on the farm, Verlene raised large gardens and canned all of her vegetables. She was well known for her wonderful cooking and baking. Verlene and Gene moved to the Essex area in l980, and into Essex in l985. In her spare time, Verlene enjoyed tending to her flower gardens, camping, crocheting, reading and the neighborhood clubs. Verlene was an avid Nebraska Cornhusker fan, having been born in Nebraska. Verlene was a member of the First Covenant Church in Red Oak. She especially enjoyed the company of her dog ""Snowball"". Verlene was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Gene on December 30, 1998. Verlene is survived by her two daughters: Kathy Collins and husband Ross of Farragut, IA and Nancy Sparr of Essex, IA; two grandsons: David and Andrew McCue of Farragut, IA; brother, Bill James Creek of Nebraska City, NE; and sister, Wava Jean Light of McCool Junction, NE; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home, Red Oak Burial in the Essex Cemetery, Essex, Iowa Pastor Joanne Johnson, Officiating Visitation with the family present on Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home A memorial is being established in Verlene's name. Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.