Ronald Lee Sparling

Ronald Sparling

Ronald Sparling, 92, passed away on July 20, 2026, at Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center in Gilbert, Arizona, from complications of Parkinson’s disease.

Ronald was born on February 15, 1934, in Osgood, Indiana, to Clarence Sparling and Pearl Fawcett Sparling. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana University and completed his Ph.D. there in 1969. His doctoral research focused on transportation and Indiana’s export economy.

Ronald devoted much of his professional life to higher education. He taught business administration and marketing at Ball State University and later at Grand Canyon University, where he concluded his career and retired. Through his years as a professor, he shared his knowledge and experience with generations of students.

Ronald and Auretta were married on September 13, 1969. Together, they shared 56 years of marriage and were just weeks away from celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary. For many years, Ronald and Auretta divided their time between Indiana and Arizona, spending their winters in Arizona before eventually making Arizona their permanent home.

Ronald loved God and was deeply committed to his faith in Jesus Christ. He attended College View Baptist Church, and his faith remained a guiding and sustaining presence throughout his life. His favorite hymn was “The Old Rugged Cross,” a song that reflected the trust he placed in Christ.

In his free time, Ronald enjoyed crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and woodcarving. These interests reflected his thoughtful mind, patience, and creativity.

Ronald is survived by his beloved wife, Auretta Sparling; his son, Wesley Sparling; and his stepdaughter, Carol Elaine Marter. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Brynn Sparling, Alora Ybarra and Samuel Sparling , Divina Marter, Chris White, Kyle Marter, Matt Carter, and Cassandra Kimbrell; and three great-grandchildren: Isaac, Mathew, and River.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Pearl Sparling; his brother, Keith Sparling; his sister, Virginia Sparling; and his stepson, David Carter.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Gilbert Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery in Gilbert, Arizona. Following the service, Ronald will be laid to rest there.

Ronald will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his many years as an educator, his thoughtful and creative spirit, and, above all, his enduring faith in Jesus Christ.