Betty Sparks

                                                     In Loving Memory of Betty Jean Sparks

It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Betty Jean Sparks on September

7, 2025. Born in Raymond, Washington on January 31, 1955, to Opal (affectionately known as Tiny) and

Floyd Hamlin, Betty was the youngest of five daughters. She grew up in South Bend, Washington,

surrounded by a large and loving extended family.

From a young age, Betty was known for her lively spirit and her love of conversation—a trait that she

carried throughout her life and one that endeared her to those around her. Betty’s greatest aspiration

was to become a wife and mother. She fulfilled this dream after graduating high school, marrying her

high school sweetheart, Ken Sparks, in 1973.

Throughout her life, Betty held a few jobs, working as a waitress and caregiver. However, her most

cherished role was as a devoted wife to Ken and a loving mother to her two sons, Jason and Shawn.

Betty’s nurturing nature extended to a menagerie of dogs, cats, and birds, all of whom she considered

part of her family.

Betty was a friend to everyone she met. Hugs were plentiful and freely given, sometimes even to those

she didn’t know but thought she did. Her warmth and kindness touched the lives of many.

Betty’s favorite hobbies were singing and visiting the casino. She joyfully combined these passions for

her 70th birthday, celebrating by singing karaoke in Las Vegas, surrounded by her family. She cherished

her role as grandmother to Lexus, Josephine, and Nolan, and as great-grandmother to Henry and Luke.

Betty was present at every event for her children and grandchildren, no matter the distance.

She especially loved hosting Fourth of July celebrations at their home in Old Willapa, where everyone

was welcome and treated to her love, delicious food, and singing.

Betty was a beloved sister and aunt. She and her sisters, the Hamlin girls, raised their nine children

together as if they were siblings, with each aunt acting as a second mother. Betty never missed a

graduation or wedding for any of her nieces and nephews, always supporting her family with devotion

and love.

Betty is survived by her husband of 52 years, Ken; her sons Jason (JayMar) and Shawn (Jennifer);

grandchildren Lexus (Brennan), Josephine, and Nolan; great-grandchildren Henry and Luke; sisters

Lucille Sharrah-Norman, Christine Riggs, and Phyllis Anderson; and nieces and nephews Darwin, Lisa,

Jennifer, Tina, Jamie, Michelle, and Rachel. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tiny and Floyd

Hamlin, and her sister, Lois Jones.

All who knew Betty carry fond memories of her, and these memories will help us through this difficult

time.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at the Raymond Eagles on Saturday, September 20th at 1:00 PM.

Family, friends, and all who loved Betty are welcome to join and honor her memory.

If you wish to honor Betty, please consider making a donation in her name to the Northwest Carriage

Museum in Raymond, Washington: www.nwcarriagemuseum.org. And if you ever find yourself at the

casino, have a spin for Betty. Just remember, if it’s not a good spin, don’t forget to hit the side of the

machine—just as Betty would have done.