Irene Sparks Graney - 1916-2007

Irene Sparks Graney, age 91, passed away Dec. 9, 2007 in Naples, Fla.

She was born on May 12, 1916, in Ashland, Ky., to Dr. Proctor Sparks and Mary Gambill Sparks. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Joy Sparks; and her husband of 63 years, Mike Latelle Graney.

Irene graduated from the University of Kentucky where she was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority, the honorary captain of ROTC, Miss Kentucky, and Campus Sweetheart. She married her high school sweetheart, Mike Graney in 1937. Irene and her family lived in Middletown, Ohio, for more than 30 years. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Browns Run Country Club and was active with the Middletown Symphony Orchestra. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. For the past 25 years, she lived in the Naples area. She is survived by a son, Michael Proctor Graney of Powell, Ohio; a granddaughter, Noelle Graney of Santa Fe, N.M.; a grandson, Michael W. Graney of Columbus, Ohio; and four great-grandchildren, Michael Liam Graney, Nathan Alexander Graney, Bridgette Rose Graney and Isabelle Morrow Graney, all of Columbus.

A graveside service conducted by the Rev. Paul Holbrook will be held at the Rose Hill Burial Park in Ashland at a date to be determined.

Shikany Bonita Funeral Home in Bonita Springs, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.

Submitted by: Margaret Braun