K. C. Sparks

K. C. Sparks, 83, of Carlsbad, NM passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Lakeview Christina Home. K. C. was born on December 21, 1939, in Eugene, OR to Jay and Margaret Cochran.

Cremation has taken place, and there are no services scheduled at this time. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

K. C. graduated from Ashland Senior High in Ashland, OR in 1958 and then went on to get her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the College of Santa Fe. She moved around New Mexico over the years, and then ended up in Carlsbad in 2005. K. C. spent her career of 42 years working as a legal assistant for different law firms and then finally in the human resource department for Sandia National Laboratory. She was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian church, a member of the Horticultural Society, and was the volunteer coordinator at the Living Desert State Park. She also enjoyed gardening, working with stained glass, volunteering at various places in the community, and going on her annual trip to Disney World with her daughter Laurie. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten. 

K. C. was preceded in death by her father, Jay B. Cochran; mother, Margaret E. (Kent) Cochran; and brother, Steven Cochran.

K. C. is survived by her two daughters: Wendi Galvin of Leesburg, FL; and Laurie Smith and husband, Owen of Carlsbad, NM; two grandchildren: Nathan Smtih and Tami Rodriguez; sister, Diane Kuiak and husband, Tom of Wisconsin; and several other extended family members.

Condolences may be expressed online at dentonwood.com