Ranger Exes Memorial - RHS Class of 1951

Helen Squires Sparks HELEN MARIE SQUIRES SPARKS, 77, passed away on Feb. 16, 2012, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born Oct. 21, 1934 in Ranger, TX raised on the family farm with her parents, Riley & Syntha Squires, and her three siblings. Helen attended Ranger High School in the Class of 1951. Upon moving to California, Helen married Darrell Sparks and had three children - Darla, Denise, & Darrell. Helen was a long serving, dedicated employee of the Kern County Sheriffs Department. She had a love and was passionate for her job as the department's first female Technical Investigator. She was always keeping herself educated on the latest investigation techniques including training at Quantico FBI school. Helen enjoyed being with her co-workers at Kern Law Enforcement Association. Helen was a very active mother involved in all her children's sports, dance, and baton events. She often donated her time sewing costumes and driving to parades and sporting events. Helen was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and was involved in many fund raising events. She also enjoyed vacations with her family at Pine Flat Lake, water-skiing and camping. She enjoyed hanging out by the pool and barbecuing with family. She made the occasional trip to Las Vegas by way of Barstow to visit family. She is survived by her daughter Darla Montgomery and husband Steve Montgomery, daughter Denise Sparks, and son Darrell Sparks, as well as 12 grandchildren and a growing number of great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death are her parents Riley Squires & Syntha Squires and 3 siblings, daughter-in-law Angela "Ghilarducci" Sparks, and grandson Derek Sparks. Her siblings were Ernest Squyres (RHS-1940), Eunice Squyres Cole (RHS-1944), & Lois Squyres Baulch (RHS-1939).