Wilma Ruth Mooneyham Sparkman

Rock Island resident Wilma Ruth Mooneyham Sparkman, age 90, was born October 21, 1929 to Leon and Retta Patton Mooneyham who preceded her in death. She passed away following a short illness at NHC Healthcare in McMinnville on April 26, 2020. Her only sibling, Elma Kathleen preceded her in death in 1923. Ruth married Clifton Edward Sparkman on August 26, 1951 in the Rock Island house given to them by her grandfather, Dr. E. L. Mooneyham, who had practiced medicine in the Warren and Van Buren County area for more than 50 years. Ruth and Edward were members of the First United Methodist Church in McMinnville. A life-long educator and travel agent, Ruth was influential in the lives of many students and adults. Graduating with a B.S. from Tennessee Tech University, an M.A. from Middle Tennessee State University, and Ed.S. from George Peabody College, she began her teaching career at Van Buren County High School. Before retiring from teaching in 1990, Ruth had taught at Northside Elementary School, McMinnville City High School, and McMinnville Vocational-Technical School. During Ruth’s teaching, she arranged student trips to Washington, D.C., New York, and Europe. In 1969 Ruth and Edward began arranging travel for adults as well as students, and later opened Sparkman Travel Agency. Their escorted bus tours were popular with many in Warren and surrounding counties for more than 30 years. Their love of travel allowed them to travel to all 50 states, the provinces of Canada, countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and all seven continents. Ruth is survived by sister-in-law, Lois Sparkman Cummings of Atlanta, GA; three nieces, Glenda Sparkman Busenlehner (Ron) of Birmingham, AL, Ann Cummings Mosier of Atlanta, GA and Winette Sparkman Jeffery (Tom) of Williamsburg, VA; one nephew, Robert “Bobby” Sparkman of Nashville, TN; and four great-nephews, one great-niece, two great-great-nieces, two great-great nephews, and many dear friends. A private graveside service and interment will be held with the family. There will be no visitation or service at High's. Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com. High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.