Kiyoko Saito was born on March 16, 1932 in Kiryu, Japan, the 3rd child of Tsurujiro and Haru Saito. She had two older brothers and two younger brothers. Being the only girl, Kiyoko was a favorite of both parents. She spent much of her childhood in Gunma-Ken, an area in the country, during the 2nd world war.
After the war, she moved back to Oi Machi where she was able to continue with her schooling and graduate from high school. As a child, Kiyoko enjoyed coloring, playing hopscotch and Chinese hopscotch. Having four brothers she learned to play the harmonica and how to juggle. In school, she learned how to sew and made her own patterns and clothes. She enjoyed learning English, Japanese history and art.
Kiyoko’s mother wanted her to be a traditional Japanese woman and learn the traditional tea ceremony and Japanese dancing. Her mother told her that no one would want to marry her if she didn't learn these things. Kiyoko went a few times to both kinds of lessons while in high school, but quit soon after.
After high school, Kiyoko worked in a Japanese office. Her parents wanted her to learn to support herself. At that time, not too many Japanese girls went to college. She then went to work as a server in the United States Military mess hall. It was there that she met Sargent Robert “Bob” Sparks.
Soon after, Kiyoko and Bob started dating. The couple spent many of their dates in local coffee shops getting to know one another better, he with his English-Japanese dictionary and she with her Japanese-English dictionary. After dating for a year, Kiyoko and Bob were married. Their first child, Nina, was born. Two months later, Bob, Kiyoko, and Nina left Japan. They moved to the U.S. so Bob could attend the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he studied marketing for 5 years. While there, their son, Tad, was born. Following Bob’s graduation, the family moved to Colorado, where their third child, Tasha was born.
Bob and Kiyoko spent their next 55 years in Boulder, Colorado and surrounding areas. In 2022, they happily celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
Kiyoko was artistic in many ways. She loved to paint using watercolors. She enjoyed gardening and arranging flowers for her home. Kiyoko loved to cook and enjoyed trying different recipes and a variety of foods. Her family particularly enjoyed her Japanese creations, especially her world famous gyoza. Kiyoko was kind to all, had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious smile and laugh. Kiyoko was devoted to her family. She was the best of mothers, a doting grandmother, and a wonderful wife and companion to Bob. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Kiyoko is survived by her loving husband of more than 65 years, Bob Sparks, son, Tad Sparks (Gail), daughters, Nina Garfield and Tasha Sparks, eight grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her four brothers, and her son-in-law, David Garfield.
No public services will be held. Kiyoko’s family will celebrate her life privately with those she held closest to her heart. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com.
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