Obituary for Mary Jane Royalty (Sparks)
Mary Jane Royalty, 78, of Bloomington Indiana passed away May 23, 2021 at IU Health Bloomington.
Mary Jane was born November 4, 1942 to Gaylord and Mary Sparks in Jeffersonville, Indiana. She attended school in Bloomfield, Indiana where she graduated in 1960. After high school, she was blessed with one son, Scott in 1965. Mary Jane and Scott started a new part of their lives when they moved to North Vernon, Indiana where Mary Jane was employed with the USDA and then became a real estate agent. This is also where she met her husband, RD Royalty and his children and they became a family. Sadly, RD passed away, but his children remained part of her family. However, the call of home was too strong, so she and Scott moved back to Bloomfield, IN; after he graduated high school then to Bloomington, IN; where the Indiana roots grew stronger. While living in Bloomington she spent time working at Menards, a job she truly loved.
Mary Jane was a true fan of all things related to Jeff Gordon and Indiana University. She wasn’t afraid to let everyone know the Hoosiers were number 1, especially the Husker fans when Indiana won! She had a smile and laugh that brightened the room and a quick wit to keep you on your toes. She loved spring with all the beautiful flowers and new life emerging along with seeing cardinals flying around everywhere. But her greatest love, pride and joy were her grandchildren and later her great-grandchildren. Mammaw, as she was affectionately called, was their biggest fan and greatest supporter in everything they did. She attended as many events as she could and cheered the loudest. She was always there to celebrate all achievements with them – no matter how big or small.
Mary Jane is survived by her children, Scott (Jennifer) Martindale of Bloomington, Indiana, LaDonna Simpson of Commiskey, Indiana, Donita “Shorty” Royalty Layman of Commiskey, Indiana, Marshall Royalty of Seymour, Indiana, Mitchell Royalty of Paris Crossing, Indiana. Her grandchildren, Amanda (Brandon), Vanessa, Josh (Taylor), Abby, Zac (Ainsleigh), Blade, Jordan, and Grace and her great – grandchildren, Max, Addison, Cole, Rayna, Brandon and Myla. Mary Jane is also leaving behind some amazing siblings, Marge George, Nanci Ochoa, Jim (Crystal) Sparks, Cathi (Chris) Delp, and John (Janet) Sparks and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Gaylord and Mary Sparks, her husband, RD Royalty, her sister, Eleanor, and her brother, Bill.
A small family service will be held at Walnut Grove Cemetery at a later date. The family does ask that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to Walnut Grove Cemetery, Bloomfield, Indiana or the American Cancer Society.
The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard is handling arrangements. Memories of Mary Jane and condolences to the family may be shared at www.thefuneralchapel.net
Mary Jane was born November 4, 1942 to Gaylord and Mary Sparks in Jeffersonville, Indiana. She attended school in Bloomfield, Indiana where she graduated in 1960. After high school, she was blessed with one son, Scott in 1965. Mary Jane and Scott started a new part of their lives when they moved to North Vernon, Indiana where Mary Jane was employed with the USDA and then became a real estate agent. This is also where she met her husband, RD Royalty and his children and they became a family. Sadly, RD passed away, but his children remained part of her family. However, the call of home was too strong, so she and Scott moved back to Bloomfield, IN; after he graduated high school then to Bloomington, IN; where the Indiana roots grew stronger. While living in Bloomington she spent time working at Menards, a job she truly loved.
Mary Jane was a true fan of all things related to Jeff Gordon and Indiana University. She wasn’t afraid to let everyone know the Hoosiers were number 1, especially the Husker fans when Indiana won! She had a smile and laugh that brightened the room and a quick wit to keep you on your toes. She loved spring with all the beautiful flowers and new life emerging along with seeing cardinals flying around everywhere. But her greatest love, pride and joy were her grandchildren and later her great-grandchildren. Mammaw, as she was affectionately called, was their biggest fan and greatest supporter in everything they did. She attended as many events as she could and cheered the loudest. She was always there to celebrate all achievements with them – no matter how big or small.
Mary Jane is survived by her children, Scott (Jennifer) Martindale of Bloomington, Indiana, LaDonna Simpson of Commiskey, Indiana, Donita “Shorty” Royalty Layman of Commiskey, Indiana, Marshall Royalty of Seymour, Indiana, Mitchell Royalty of Paris Crossing, Indiana. Her grandchildren, Amanda (Brandon), Vanessa, Josh (Taylor), Abby, Zac (Ainsleigh), Blade, Jordan, and Grace and her great – grandchildren, Max, Addison, Cole, Rayna, Brandon and Myla. Mary Jane is also leaving behind some amazing siblings, Marge George, Nanci Ochoa, Jim (Crystal) Sparks, Cathi (Chris) Delp, and John (Janet) Sparks and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Gaylord and Mary Sparks, her husband, RD Royalty, her sister, Eleanor, and her brother, Bill.
A small family service will be held at Walnut Grove Cemetery at a later date. The family does ask that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to Walnut Grove Cemetery, Bloomfield, Indiana or the American Cancer Society.
The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard is handling arrangements. Memories of Mary Jane and condolences to the family may be shared at www.thefuneralchapel.net