LOVLEAND, Colo. – Anabeth Sparks James passed away with her family by her side at home in Loveland on Feb. 8, 2023. She was born on Dec. 7, 1933, in Torrington, Wyoming to Earl Grant and Analeta (Lawhead) Sparks.
She grew up in Torrington with her older siblings Aurelia and John. Her parents operated a chicken hatchery and a "cabin court" with one-room cabins for rent. As a child, she enjoyed family summers spent at Red Feather Lakes, where her parents owned a cabin. She would return there throughout her life and relished the natural beauty of Colorado.
She graduated in 1955 from Bob Jones University and became a middle school English teacher in Wyoming and California. She also taught one year with the same agency as her sister and brother-in-law in Dembi Dolo, Ethiopia. On her way there in 1959, a benefactor gave her an extended round-the-world trip with stops in Hawaii, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok, India, Yemen and Addis Ababa – showing her taste for adventure!
In 1967, she married Ronald Vernon James of Fillmore, California. They moved to Karlsruhe, Germany, where they were soon joined by three children: daughter Lisa, and sons Peter and Stanley. Over the years, the family lived in Florida, Bermuda, Okinawa and Colorado Springs.
Anabeth was multi-talented and enjoyed playing the piano and organ, sewing, painting, baking and traveling. Like her mother, she kept a daily diary. Everyone was touched by her kindness and sweetness, her concern for others and her glowing smile.
In 1997, Anabeth and Vern retired to Red Feather Lakes where they lived for 20 years and were vibrant members of Morning Star Community Church. Anabeth taught vacation bible school, and she and her sister played the piano and organ for services. In 2016, she and Vern moved to old town Loveland and became active at Faith Church.
Anabeth is preceded in death by her parents, her brother and sister. She is survived by her husband Vern, daughter Lisa (Mark) of Elizabeth; son Peter of Englewood, son Stanley of Loveland; and grandchildren Caila, Austin, Brandon, Ryan and Maci of Elizabeth.
A Memorial Service was held at Faith Church in Loveland on Friday, Feb. 1.
