Dateline: Spruce Pine, NC

Rita Gunter Sparks, age 65 of Mountain Laurel Drive, Spruce Pine, NC passed away September 15, 2017. She was a native of Mitchell County, NC and a daughter of the late Donald and Maggie Gunter. She was a former employee of Northwestern Bank and Mitchell Credit. She attended Calvary Baptist Church and was a graduate of Harris High School and attended Mayland Community College.

Survivors include a brother, Ricky Gunter, of Crewe, Virginia, sisters in law, Pam Sparks, of Spruce Pine, NC, and Emma Sparks Wiseman, of Crossnore, NC, brother in law, Larry Sparks, of Bakersville, NC, and special caregivers J.R. and Jessica Sparks, of Bakersville, NC, several nieces and nephews and a special pet Sonny.

She was preceded in death in addition to her parents by her husband, Marty Sparks, and mother and father in law, Guy and Edna Sparks.

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 18, 2017 at 7:00PM in the chapel of Henline - Hughes Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at 11:00AM at Bailey Cemetery.

Henline - Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the Sparks Family.