Martha Lee Sparling nee Hanna was born June 24, 1943, in Canadian, Texas. She passed away following a recent decline in health on Thursday, September 7, 2023, in Springfield, Mo.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Doil and Geneva Hanna, her brothers Stanley Hanna and Jack Hanna, and her eldest son, Travis Sparling.

She is survived by her sister Naomi Rountree of Littlefield, Texas, her sons Matthew Sparling, and Timothy Sparling (and daughter in law Lauralee Sparling), as well as her granddaughter, Anastasia Sparling, and many other family members and loved ones.

Martha was a woman of strong faith and love. She loved and served God in everything she did. She was deeply devoted to her sons and family. Those that knew her knew she also had a love for animals, often taking in the most lost and neediest of God's creatures. Her boys recall many dogs and cats in their lives as they grew up. Many were not the friendliest, but Martha always showed them kindness and patience.

She was an avid storyteller. No detail was too small for her attention. Her favorite stories were of her time growing up with her siblings, especially on the family farm in Houston, Missouri. She wished her body to be returned to this place, to rest beside Doil and Geneva Hanna.

Graveside services will therefore be held in the Ozark Baptist Cemetery in Houston, Mo. September 14, 2023, at 1:30 pm.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield,
Mo.