Beverly Clara Sparling, 90, of Wabash, Indiana, passed peacefully at 10:17 am, Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, surrounded by her family. She was born on October 24, 1935, in Wabash, to Theodore and Martha (Barnett) Wolfrum.
Bev was a 1953 graduate of Noble Township High School and later earned her associate’s degree from Ball State University. On October 31, 1953, she married her true love, Wayne Sparling, at Wabash Friends Church, beginning a lifetime of partnership, adventure, and devotion. Bev dedicated many years as the purchasing agent at GenCorp in Wabash and later worked side by side with Wayne as co-owner of Kitchen’s Plus in Wabash. She was a faithful member of Wabash Friends Church and generously gave her time as secretary of the Wabash County Republican Party for many years.
She loved to travel and experience the world with Wayne, including living in Germany for two years while he was stationed there. Bev was a devoted sports fan, enthusiastically following Indiana University and the Indiana Pacers. More than anything, Bev’s heart belonged to her family. She rarely missed a grandchild’s sporting event and took immense joy in cheering them on. The family campouts-held for more than 50 years-were among her most cherished traditions and happiest memories. In her quieter moments, she loved working puzzles and playing FreeCell.
Bev was a wonderful mom to all, a steady source of love, encouragement, and support. To many, she was simply and affectionately known as “Momma B,” a name that perfectly captured the warmth, care, and love she shared so freely with everyone around her.
She is survived by her husband, Wayne Sparling, three daughters, Carole Hiner, Cheryl (Rodney) Holmes, and Caryn (Tim) Middleton, daughter-in-law, Mary Sparling, all of Wabash, eight grandchildren: Justin (Reagan) Middleton, Taylor (James) Booth, Nick (Sydney) Smith, Jeniffer Smith, Brandon (Crissy) Holmes, Liz (Travis) Patton, Kayla (Gabe) Conn, and Drake Sparling, seven great-grandchildren: Lainey Booth, Regan Cooper, Claire Cooper, Addisyn Holmes, Aidan Patton, Colin Patton, and Colson Conn, and brother, David (Julia) Wolfrum of Wabash. She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Kevin Wayne Sparling, daughter, Susan Kay Sparling, son-in-law, Kim Hiner, and brother, Barnette “Barney” Wolfrum,
Funeral services will be 10:30 am, Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Wabash Friends Church, 3563 S. State Road 13, Wabash, with David Phillips officiating. Burial will be in Friends Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave, Wabash. The family encourages attendees to wear their favorite sports attire!
Preferred memorial is Wabash Friends Church.
The memorial guest book for Beverly may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
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