Ellen Lenore (Sparks) Oliver

  Our beloved grandmother, mother, sister, and aunt, Ellen Oliver, died peacefully on the morning of March 29, 2023, with two of her sisters and niece by her side.  She was 90 years old.

  Ellen had a long and full life.  It began on September 18, 1932, in Twin Falls, Idaho. Her mom and dad were Evelyn Marie and Orval Elton Sparks.  She grew up on a farm in Jerome, Idaho, and loved it.  She and her three sisters loved treasure hunting in a nearby canyon and playing creative games in the family potato cellar.  She graduated from high school in Twin Falls and later moved to San Francisco with her first husband.  Everyone who met her and spent time with her loved her and appreciated her wicked sense of humor.

  Professionally she enjoyed being in the restaurant and catering businesses which were perfect because she was a master baker.  Ellen loved to teach her children and grandchildren to bake, and they particularly loved her amazing desserts and chocolate chip pancakes.  Toward the end of her life, she and her sisters loved quilting.

  Although she had many struggles in her life, Ellen overcame them by loving and serving her family, friends, and the members of her church. She was rewarded by the love of her children and grandchildren. 

  Ellen was predeceased by her mom Evelyn Sparks, dad Orval Sparks, son William David Bingham, brothers-in-law Cliff Carlson and Vernon McCowan, and first husband Archie Bingham.

  She is survived by her children Michael Bingham (Joanne), Mark Oliver (Sharon), Jeannie Day (Kelly), and Jennifer Pugh (Cory).  She leaves behind 18 grandchildren: Christopher, Andrea, Julie, Elizabeth, Jamie, Michael, Kristin, Ashley, Candice, Danielle, Chase, Ariana, Paige, Mikayla, McCall, Chandler, Cole, and Peyton; and 9 great-grandchildren: Cehrisa, River, Khaleesi, Mason, Madison, Jaden, Jax, Charlotte, and Blakely. She is also survived by her sisters Marie McCowan, Naomi Carlson, and Carol Erickson (Larry); as well as her former husband Bill Oliver (Joy). She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, other beloved family members, and friends.

  We will miss Ellen dearly, but we are so grateful for the time we had to spend with her.  We know she is finding rest and Pepsi in heaven. We will always feel her presence in our hearts.

  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation at nationalbreastcancer.org, an organization close to Ellen’s heart as a two-time breast cancer survivor.

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