Arnelda Hagen Sparks, 89, "our beloved mother, grandmother,

great-grandmother, and sister went to be with her Lord" on Feb. 19, 2005, in Carmichael, Calif. She was born on Sept. 20, 1915, in Crosby, N.D., to Peder O. and Eline (Olsen) Hagen.

Arnelda was raised on the family farm west of Crosby and attended local schools. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. On Sept. 29, 1933, she married Lester V. Sparks, also of Crosby, in the Lutheran Church in Ambrose, N.D. Lester, Arnelda and family spent their early years together living on a farm west of Crosby. They later moved to Kalispell where Lester was employed by the school system. Arnelda obtained her practical nursing certificate and was employed at the local hospital.

Arnelda was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and nine siblings.

She is survived by her sister, Agnes Olson, of Crosby, N.D.; two daughters, Darlene and husband, Ray Fritz, of Katy, Texas, and LaVon and husband, Mike Stafinbil of Lincoln, Calif., five grandchildren, Dr. Rodney Fritz, Lori and husband Steve Hart, Connie Fritz Creighton, Todd and wife Kim Stafinbil, and Dr. Susan Stafinbil; eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arnelda loved cooking, gardening, and sewing. She was a very caring and dedicated nurse.

Burial with family graveside service will take place in Kalispell at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, 2200 U.S. Highway 2 East, Kalispell MT 59901.