Rose Mae Elrod-Sparks

Rose Mae Rich Elrod Sparks, age 88 years, 6 months & 6 days, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Oklahoma, passed away on December 15, 2024. She was a loving mother, cherished grandmother, and treasured friend to all who knew her.

Born on May 9, 1936 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to Bertie “Mae” Wallace Rich and Corbie A. Rich. She married Paul Eugene Elrod on October 31, 1954 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and together they built a beautiful life centered on love, family, and faith.

In her later years Rose found love again and married Kenneth Sparks whom she met at Southwest Mansions Independent Living Center where she lived. They married on February 11, 2023.

She dedicated her life to her family and serving God. Through the years she served in many ways. She was active as a homeroom mother, girl scout leader, baseball and football mom, Fire department Women’s auxiliary, church Women’s Missionary leader, Sunday School Teacher, Church Choir, guest speaker involving Women’s Ministry, and worked for a time at the Bible Book Store. Plus, other activities surrounding her children and church.

Rose will be remembered for her unwavering love, gentle strength, and the joy she brought to those around her. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren and all who knew her.

She is survived by her children: Cheryl & Stephen Outon, Daryl and Gina Elrod and Gerald & Shere Elrod, Richard Porterfield, Karen & Terry Watts and Kevin & Stephanie Sparks. Rose has also been blessed with 31 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren, a sister – Sue Collins, sisters-in-law – Mary Elrod & Helen Rich, brother-in-law – James Newman, many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband – Paul Elrod, her second husband – Kenneth Sparks, her daughter – Carol Porterfield, brother – Corbie Rich Jr., sister – Karen Newman, brothers-in-law – James & Cecil Elrod & Jerry Collins and sister-in-law Darlene Elrod.

A visitation with the family will be at Advantage Funeral Home, 7720 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

Services to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, December 20th 2024 at Crossroads Church, 8901 South Shields, beginning at 10 am. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, 500 SW 104th St., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.