Jeanette Radford Sparks

Frances Jeanette Radford Sparks of Rigby, Idaho passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 2, 2025, the day after her 88th birthday. Jeanette was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho on June 1, 1937, the daughter of Lloyd Franklin Petersen and Treva Lee Petersen.

Jeanette attended schools in Ucon, Idaho and graduated with honors in the class of 1955 at Bonneville High School. She was a cheerleader in her senior year. She continued her education through Eastern Idaho Technical College in Idaho Falls, Idaho and Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, earning a degree in Nursing. She has worked at Mountain Bell as a telephone operator, as an office manager for the Rexburg Medical Center, at Life Springs Women’s Clinic, and Madison Women’s Clinic. She loved her work at Madison Memorial Hospital in the delivery room and NICU.

On July 29, 1955, Jeanette married Gene Adrian Radford in Idaho Falls, Idaho at the Idaho Falls Temple. They were married for 39 years. He preceded her in death. On June 5, 1996, she married Kerry Burke Sparks in Idaho Falls, Idaho at the Idaho Falls Temple.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints she served in Primary, Relief Society and as a Ward and Stake Young Women’s President. Jeanette loved being the organist in various wards for over 60 years.  She served beside her husband, Kerry, for 8 years in the Rexburg Idaho Temple, as well as missionaries at the West Piney Girls Camp. Of all the paths she pursued in life, motherhood was the roll she cherished deeply.

She had a love for music, especially singing and playing the piano, family history, crocheting, temple work, four wheeling, fishing, and boating. She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren, going camping at the cabin in Spencer, traveling, going on cruises, and eating out, especially at Chuck A Rama. She was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and was a past president. She was so proud of her heritage. One thing she will always be remembered for is her beautiful smile.

Jeanette is survived by her husband, Kerry Burke Sparks of Rigby, Idaho. Children; David Gene (Liz) Radford of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Denise (Blair) Rigby, Rexburg, Idaho, Nancy (Brett) DaBell of Rigby, Idaho, and Michael Evan (Kristi) Radford of Rigby, Idaho. Kerry’s children, that mom loved like her own. Deborah (Howard) Kimmel of Ririe, Idaho, Kerry Bryan (Tami) Sparks of Hooper, Utah, and Beverly (Douglas) Hampton of West Point, Utah. A sister, Barbara Bloxham of Rigby, Idaho, and brother, Dale Petersen of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Thirty-four grandchildren, ninety-eight great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Adrian Radford. Her parents, Lloyd Franklin and Treva Lee Petersen. A brother, Dennis Wayne Petersen. Brother-in-law, Edwin Bloxham, and a nephew Kevin Bloxham.

A funeral service will be held for Jeanette on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Clark LDS Ward Chapel (198 North 4300 East, Rigby, Idaho). The family will meet with friends Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at Eckersell Funeral Home (101 West Main Street, Rigby, Idaho) and again on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:45 am in the Clark LDS Chapel. Interment will be in the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery.