Rita Ann Sparman, known to most as Maw-Maw, 78 years of age, of Empire, Alabama went to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday May 3, 2024. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama on April 2, 1946.
Preceded in death by her husband Fred Rutkowski who passed away in June 2023; her first husband James Donald Sparman (known to most as JD or Mickey), they had 4 wonderful, adventurous daughters together, he passed away February 2005. Her Father Henry Fortenberry, Mother Lettie Jarvis, brothers Jack Fortenberry and Tommy Fortenberry, sister Sherron Minton, grandson Kevin Comer Jr (known as KC), & 2 granddaughters Rachel Lake & Wanda Comer.
She will be extremely missed by her brother Don (Carol) Fortenbury, sister Ruby Gentry, half-brother Gary White; 4 Daughters Charlotte Sparman, Connie Sparman, Donna (Keith) Wilson, & Mary Sparman; 6 Grandchildren Amanda Sparman, Joseph (Krystal) Stasko, Christina (David) Lowe, Crystal (David) Willingham, Nicole Comer, & James (Haley) Wilson; 15 Great Grandchildren Michael Sparman, Tommy Lee Franklin, Devon Smith, Garrett Lybrand, Landon Williams, Katie Stasko, Dustin (Michelle) Willingham, Trinity Willingham, Matthew Tyler Willingham, Chloe Willingham, Kinsley Wilson, Paislee Wilson, Weston Wilson, Briana Hopkins, Angel (Dustin) Love, DJ Lowe, & Anastasia Lowe; 4 Great Great Grandchildren Ameliah Dinatale, Able Willingham, Atticus Willingham, & David Kane Willingham; along with tons of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, & friends.
She worked at Golden Flake for 15 – 20 years; while there she was able to meet and have pictures taken with several famous people, including Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant, Gene Stallings, Pat Dye, Mike DuBose, and many more. She enjoyed spending time with her family and being around those that love her.
The family will receive friends at Moss Service Funeral Home on Tuesday May 7, 2024, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Funeral Services will be held on the same day (Tuesday May 7th, 2024) at 1 p.m. at Moss Service Funeral Home with Bro Harold Donald officiating. Interment will follow services in Flint Creek Cemetery in Vinemont.
