Alvina Rose Sparlin
May 20, 1933 ~ March 13, 2026
Born in:
Bartelso , Illinois
Resided in:
St. Charles , Missouri
Alvina Sparlin, 92, of St. Charles, Missouri, formerly of Greenville, Illinois, passed away Friday, March 13, 2026, with her loving family by her side. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, March 21st, 2026, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Greenville, with the funeral Mass, officiated by Father Jeffery Stone, succeeding at 10 am. Burial at St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery will follow the mass.
Alvina was born on May 20, 1933, in Bartelso, Illinois. She grew up on the farm with her parents, Herman and Wilhelmina (Rohr) Varel, and her five siblings. They milked cows and learned the value of hard work from an early age.
At 14, she entered the Order of the Most Precious Blood, taking the name Sister Irma Linda. She was known for her intelligence, deep faith, and devotion to the Catholic Church. During those years she developed a love for playing both the accordion and the church organ.
On June 13, 1953, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Bartelso, Illinois, Alvina married the love of her life, Carl Sparlin. They moved to Greenville, where they would reside and raise their seven children. They were married for sixty-five years before he preceded her in death on September 4th, 2018.
Alvina was a hardworking and resourceful woman who could create something out of nothing. While raising her children, she often cut her own patterns and sewed their clothing. She was dependable, devoted to her family, and always willing to lend a helping hand.
Her faith guided her through life. She was a dedicated member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, where she served as Eucharist Minister, instructed altar servers, taught catechism, and volunteered at the parish fish fry. She was truly a servant to both her church and her community.
Alvina also pursued a career in nursing. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and worked locally for the Greenville Regional Hospital, Bond County Health Department, as well as Director of Nursing at area nursing homes, and QA (quality assurance) Coordinator.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Wilhelmina Varel; husband, Carl Sparlin; son, Irvin Sparlin; great grandson, Abraham Shear; and siblings, Walter, Clarence, John, Lydia.
She is survived by her children, Patricia (Michael) Bradford of Prescott, Arizona, Glen (Pearl) Sparlin of St. Charles, Missouri, Mark (Melissa) Sparlin of Santa Maria, California, Shirley (Tim) Graham of St. Charles, Missouri, Mary (Dennis) Green of Pocahontas, Illinois, Jody Stephen Sparlin of Aurora, Illinois; 8 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Wellinghoff of Breese, Illinois.
Memorial donations in Alvina’s honor may be given or mailed to: St. Lawrence Catholic Church, PO Box 401, Greenville, Illinois.
The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Home in Greenville with the ceremonies.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.
Services
Visitation: March 21, 2026 9:00 am - 10:00 am
St. Lawrence Catholic Church
512 S. Prairie Street
Greenville, IL 62246
Funeral Mass: March 21, 2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am
St. Lawrence Catholic Church
512 S. Prairie Street
Greenville, IL 62246
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Alvina Rose Sparlin 's name.
St. Lawrence Catholic Church
512 W. Prairie St.
Greenville,
IL
62246
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To The Family,
Please Accept My Heartfelt Condolences. Truly the loss of a precious loved one is most difficult. Please find comfort in the promise our most loving Heavenly Father Jehovah God gives us in Revelation 21:4″And He will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more; neither will mourning; nor outcry; nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” Yes, We can look forward to a time soon to come when all suffering including death will be done away with forever. For more encouraging information from the bible. Please visit jw.org
Alvina was a wonderful women. She will be missed. God bless her and the family at your loss.
Good memories of an incredible nurse and woman. Thinking of you all.
Cari Outman
As a wife and mother and nurse, Alvina lovingly cared for her husband and children and patients. She also lovingly cared for people in general and she touched so many individuals in many ways, especially through her church. Alvina’s life was full of love, joy and happiness. Her devoted faith in God always helped her face challenges. Alvina has eternal life now and she will always remain with all of us from the stories that will be shared with family and friends and generations to come. She is engraved in our hearts forever. Every family should have an Alvina Rose Sparlin and if they did, this world would be a nicer, kinder and more peaceful world.
Alvina will be missed but our memories are cherished forever. God Bless her and all of her family. We did not know Alvina that well, but we are so thankful to have met her and to learn about her life.
Penny and Gary Mayer
I have many fond memories of time spent at the Sparlin household. Your mom was a very loving lady that made everyone feel welcomed. Prayers for strength and comfort at this difficult time. Sorry I was not able to be there in person.
Thanks so much for thinking of us.
Mary