Peggy Lynn Sparks

Peggy Lynn Sparks, 63, of Portage, MI (formerly of Plainwell, MI) passed away suddenly on May 28th, 2025 after complications arising from a recent serious illness and surgery. Peggy was born on July 23rd, 1961 to Dewey and Margaret Sparks. She graduated from Plainwell High School in 1980.

Everyone who knew Peggy, knew she was an animal lover. It didn’t matter if it had fur, quills, feathers or scales—she loved them all. Peggy also genuinely loved people, and people loved her back. There was hardly anyone she couldn’t make friends with, or make smile. She loved crocheting, movies, music, attending reptile shows, thrifty shopping, her kids, her grandkids, but most of all, she simply loved life.

Peggy is survived by and lovingly remembered by her partner of over 22 years, Steve Byers; a brother, Robert Sparks; a sister, Bonnie Sparks; her children, Jennifer (Jonathan) Stewart, Michelle (Brian) Atkins, Larry Harper Jr. and Daniel Harper; her beloved grandchildren, William Harper, Zackary Harper, Allison Harper, Ashton Atkins, Daniel Harper Jr., Carson Harper, Xander Harper, and Paxton Harper, as well as bonus grandchildren Mars Stewart, Matilda Stewart and Mae Stewart. She is also survived by her many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. We also cannot leave out her many fur babies and fur grandkids, who she loved and cared for deeply.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Dewey and Margaret; her sons, Nathan and Shawn; her daughter, Annette; her sister, Sherry; a granddaughter, Nevaeh, and her nephew, Jeffery.

In accordance with Peggy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life memorial that will be held at The Bellflower (4700 West D Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49009) on her birthday, Wednesday July 23rd, 2025 from 4-6pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions be made in Peggy’s honor to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or Homeward Bound Animal Welfare Group (www.homewardboundawg.com)

“And as we lie beneath the stars.

We realize how small we are.

If they could love like you and me.

Imagine what the world could be.”

-Nickelback