Wanda Carol Sparks

Wanda Carol Sparks, 81, of Loveland, Colorado, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2025, at Medical Center of the Rockies with the compassionate care of Pathways Hospice.

Born on March 19, 1943, Wanda was the beloved daughter of Alsie and Nora Sparks and raised in Piedmont, Alabama. She graduated from the University Hospital School of Nursing at the University of Alabama, embarking on a distinguished career as an RN that included serving her country with honor.

As a Captain in the United States Air Force, Wanda bravely served as an evac nurse during the Vietnam War. Her dedication and courage were recognized with numerous awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, and honors for her service with the Military Airlift Command (C-141 Starlifter) and during the Easter Offensive in Vietnam.

While based at Travis Air Force Base, Wanda lived in Vacaville and Benecia, California, and later moved to Colorado to be near family. Wanda was a service-disabled Veteran who received exceptional support and care from the Veterans Administration throughout her life, in California, Wyoming, and Colorado.

Smart and with an incredibly dry sense of humor, she lived a fiercely independent life, cherished good music, beautiful jewelry, gardening, traveling, reading, and the companionship of her beloved pets. A strong sense of community was important to her, and she always maintained close connections with her neighbors. She is survived by her cousin, Melinda Jordan of Longmont, along with Melinda’s large and extended family, and her rescue cat, Gracie.

Everyone who knew, loved, and supported Wanda, miss her salty, funny personality and fighting spirit.