LAKE LEELANAU — Majean Elizabeth Sparks, 90, of Lake Leelanau passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at French Manor Terra in Traverse City with her daughters by her side.

Majean was born on October 20, 1935, in East Leland, the daughter of Edward and Eunice (Weiss) Kahrs. She was baptized, confirmed, and later married at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Leland. On May 26, 1956, she married Caleb “Kelly” G. Sparks. They shared 67 years of marriage before his passing on October 12, 2023.

Majean grew up on a cherry farm in East Leland, living right between both sets of her grandparents’ farms. Her childhood was filled with simple joys like ice skating on the local pond and on the north end of Lake Leelanau, riding bikes, and picking cherries. She graduated from Leland Public School and went on to attend the Muskegon School of Business.

She began her career as a stenographer at the Traverse City State Hospital where she met her beloved departed husband, Kelly. When they had their children, she chose to stay home until returning to work as a medical transcriptionist for 16 years.

After a short time living in Lake Ann, Majean and Kelly moved to Lake Leelanau in 1959, where they built a life and raised their family.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. She was deeply involved in her church, serving in many capacities including being a member of the Ladies Aid, the choir, the world relief quilting group, and many years of Christmas Cookie sales. In addition, she put on special event meals for the elderly members of the church. She gave freely of her time and talents and was truly a servant of God. Each Monday, she visited residents at various long-term care homes of Leelanau, offering companionship and kindness. She regularly checked in on shut ins, bringing food and comfort.

Majean found joy in caring for her home and family. She was always baking fresh bread, pies, and desserts, and was especially known for her cinnamon rolls, but was specially known as the 1953 Cherry Baking Pie Queen of Michigan. Music was always playing in her home, and she could often be heard singing or whistling along. She had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor, and she loved family gatherings, especially when everyone would gather around the piano to sing.

She stayed active throughout her life. She could often be seen bicycling or walking hand in hand with her husband, Kelly, along M-204.

She also enjoyed spending time outdoors in her vegetable and flower gardens. In her younger years, she loved going to Cedar to polka dance with Kelly, and in later years they rarely missed a Tuesday polka afternoon with their friends.

Majean is survived by her daughters, Amy (Peter) DeLille and Carrie (Robert) DeLille; 17 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren; and her siblings, Wayne Kahrs and Mary Kay (Steve) Erickson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kelly; her son, Gregory; her granddaughter, Rachel; and her sister, Sharon.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 15th at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Leland. Burial will take place at East Leland Cemetery after the luncheon. Pastor Mark Reinsch will officiate.

Memorials in Majean’s memory may be directed to the Immanual Quilters in care of Immanuel Lutheran Church PO Box 436 Leland, MI 49654 Please share condolences and memories with Majean’s family at www.martinson.info. Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.