Alvina Rose Sparlin

Alvina Sparlin ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Assalley-Young Funeral Home - Greenville on Mar. 16, 2026.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.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.