Alberta Ruth Metz Sparks November 11, 1929 ~ December 5, 2019 Alberta (Bowman) Metz Sparks was born on November 11, 1929, in Huntington, IN, to Allen and Ruth (Wood) Bowman. The family moved to Marion in 1932 where Dr. Bowman taught at Marion College (Indiana Wesleyan University) for 50 years. Alberta was a 1947 graduate of Marion High School and Marion College in 1951. She earned a master’s degree from Ball State University in 1971. In 1951, she married Floyd John Metz and served with him in the pastorate for 25 years. He predeceased her in 1997. She then married Earl Sparks in November of 2004, and he passed away in April of 2005. She wrote Sunday School curriculum for Wesley Press for 11 years and had twelve books published. She taught public school in Jay County, IN, for 5 ½ years and served as an editorial assistant for The Wesleyan Advocate for 20 years. After retiring, she was an adjunct instructor in English at Indiana Wesleyan University and served for three years as a volunteer missionary in Czech Republic. She was a long-time member of Brookhaven Wesleyan Church. With her many gifts and abilities, she was always ready to serve God and her neighbor. She is survived by two daughters, Lydia (Thomas) Hines, missionary to Latin America; Dorcas Metz (sister Neila), Ouzinkie, AK; one son, Daniel (Sandy) Metz, Mt. Union, PA; five grandsons: Matthew (Carin) Hines and David (Emily) Hines, both from Marion; Nathan (Jade) Metz, Kampala, Uganda; Luke (Katie) Metz, McCordsville; and Micah (Maggie) Metz, Marion; 11 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Alice Wills, Noblesville. She was also predeceased by a sister, Florence Bowman, and a brother, Lyman Bowman. The family will receive visitors from 9:30 am to 12:00 noon on Monday, December 9, 2019, at Brookhaven Wesleyan Church, Marion, IN. Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Alberta's life will begin at 12:00 noon with Rev. Robert Van Cise and Rev. Tony Bye co-officiating. Burial will take place at Grant Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be directed to Global Partners, 13300 Olio Rd., Fishers, IN 46037 and Brookhaven Wesleyan Church, 2960 E. 38th St., Marion, IN 46953. Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN. Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.