Chop Sparks (1925 – 2017)
CHATHAM—Lucille Sneed “Chop” Sparks, a retired teacher and resident of Camphill Ghent Retirement Community in Chatham, NY, died on November 15, four days before her 92nd birthday.
Born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, November 19, 1925, Chop graduated from Oklahoma State University. She and her husband raised their family mostly in Oklahoma City, where she was a beloved presence at Casady School for the better part of 20 years, teaching preschool and first-and second graders. She also served as director of the Villa Montessori School in Phoenix, AZ, where she lived with her family from 1964 to 1967.
“Mom loved teaching,” said her daughter, Madaline Sparks. “She was also an avid gardener and an active volunteer – especially for conservation and environmental causes.”
When she was a little girl, a cousin from West Texas, who spoke Spanish came to stay with her family and nicknamed her “Chaparro”– “Shorty.” The name stuck, eventually abbreviated to “Chop.”
Chop’s husband, C.N. “Buddy” Sparks, died in 1980. Her survivors include two daughters and their spouses, Madaline Sparks of Spencertown, NY (Wayne Greene); and Chesley Sparks Huber of North East, MD (Jim Huber); her sons Dan Sparks of Oklahoma City, and Allen Sparks of Springfield, VT (Patti Sparks); seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and her cherished feline companions, George and Gracie, who were at Chop’s side when she passed.
Chop relocated from Oklahoma to Chatham in 2015 at age 89 to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She thrived in her new home and is warmly remembered as a thoughtful and generous friend with a fondness for colorful outfits and Converse sneakers. She attended concerts and arts events, went on field trips, sang in the choir, taught Mahjong, took art classes, grew tomatoes, and started a book club. At 90, she saw all 36 movies screened at the 2016 Columbia County Film Festival.
Friends and neighbors are invited to a celebration of Chop Sparks’ life on Sunday, December 10 at 10:30 a.m. in the Culture Hall of Camphill Ghent Retirement Community, 2542 State Route 66, Chatham, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Camphill Ghent Retirement Community (https://camphillghent.org/donate/) and The Community Hospice (https://donate.givetocommunityhospice.org/) of Columbia and Greene Counties, New York.
Kenneth P. Price (1944 – 2017)
LIVINGSTON—Kenneth P. Price, 73, of Hudson died November 25, 2017 at the Livingston Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after a long illness.
Born August 18, 1944 in Catskill, he was the son of the late Kenneth E. Price and Margie Deamer Price.
Before he was forced to retire, he was employed in maintenance at Bard College.
Survivors include: his two sons, Kendall and Richard Price; a brother, Donald Price; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
There are no calling hours.
Services are private and at the convenience of the family with burial in the Colleburgh Cemetery of Athens.
Arrangements are with the Yadack-Fox Funeral Home, 209 Main Street, Germantown.
Condolences may be expressed at yadackfox.com
Royal M. Dingman (1939 – 2017)
COLUMBIAVILLE—Royal “Roy” Mack Dingman, 78, of Columbiaville died Monday, November 27 at his residence.
Born October 29, 1939 in Hudson, he was the son of Maxwell and Beatrice (LaBrie) Dingman.
He graduated from Hudson High School class of 1957. He served in Company C 1st Battalion 210th Armour Division in the Army National Guard of New York. He served as a reservist for many years after his active duty.
After a period as a self-employed truck driver, Mr. Dingman became a Teamster for 27 years working for Harder’s (later Friedman’s) Express in Claverack. He then became a self-employed contractor, specializing in renovation. He formed a partnership with his son that lasted 20 years.
Mr. Dingman loved the outdoors and was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed camping, hunting and boating. He especially liked fishing with his grandson, Nathan and teasing his other grandson, Austin. He also loved spending time with his dog, Molly.
Mr. Dingman is survived by: his son, David Dingman; daughter, Bonnie Merritt; grandsons, Nathan James and Austin Lee Merritt and brother, Bruce Martin Dingman.
He was predeceased by his wife, Judith (Waltermire) Dingman in 2009.
Funeral services from the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson were held Friday, December 1. Interment was in Stuyvesant Falls Cemetery.
Frances L. Kostszewski (1928 – 2017)
HUDSON—Frances L. Kostszewski, 89, passed away November 30, 2017. She was born November 8, 1928 in Hudson.
Mrs. Kostszewski was a homemaker. She enjoyed traveling and bingo.
She is survived by: her two sons, Michael and his wife Susan, and Stephen; her two granddaughters, Alicia and Michelle Kostszewski; and her brother, Nicholas Scalera.
She was predeceased by her husband, George in 2011.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, December 5, 10 a.m. from Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church. Visitation will precede the service from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street. Interment will be in Cedar Park Cemetery.
Edward J. Hurta (1943 – 2017)
VALATIE—Edward J. Hurta of Stuyvesant died Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at Barnwell Nursing Home.
Born February 2, 1943, he was the son of the late John and Tekla (Romanchuk) Hurta.
He was a graduate of Hudson High School and earned his associate’s degree in mechanical technology from Dutchess County Community College. Mr. Hurta served in the U.S. Air Force during the 1960s and later began working as a welder for Shroeders in Stockport until his retirement.
He will be greatly missed by: his brother, David Hurta of Stuyvesant, sister-in-law, Bonita Hurta and nephews, Scott and Michael Hurta, all of Texas. He was predeceased by his brother, Nicholas and one sister, Kathleen Hurta.
Funeral services will be graveside at Cedar Park Cemetery Hudson, Tuesday, December 5, 2017, 11 a.m. with Pastor Jonathan Hodges officiating. There are no calling hours. Arrangements are with the Sacco-McDonald-Valenti Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. To leave online condolences visit www.saccomcdonaldvalenti.com
