Traci Linn Sparrow, 58, of rural Dallas City, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at the Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois.

Traci was born April 12, 1966 in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of Donald and Dyna (Freeland) Scanlan. On August 24, 1985 she married Martin Sparrow at the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Nauvoo, Illinois.

Traci was a graduate of Dallas City High School. She attended nursing school and later graduated with a business degree from Southeastern Community College in West Burlington, Iowa. She previously worked at the Riverview Supper Club in Dallas City, The Madison Nursing Home in Fort Madison, Iowa, LaHarpe-Davier Health Care Center, LaHarpe and for the Hancock County Circuit Clerk. She was currently owner and operator with her husband, Martin, of Scanlan & Sparrow Trucking.

Traci was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dallas City, where she was a member of the Altar & Rosary Society. She and her husband cared for numerous foster children over the years. She was an advocate for special needs children within the foster care system. In 2011 she was awarded Mother of the Year by the Illinois Country Living Magazine. Her life revolved around helping others.

Survivors include her husband, Martin, four children: Marc (Skye Moore) Sparrow, Monte Cole, Bobby Sparrow and Danielle Sparrow all of Dallas City, one bonus daughter: LaAnni Asensio of Spain; her parents Donald and Dyna Scanlan of Dallas City; one sister: Tara (Gabe) Harrison of Warsaw; two brothers: Seth Trent Scanlan of Warsaw and Jay (Tiffany) Kosse of Dallas City; a bonus sister: Alaina (Cody) Paxton of Blandinsville and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

Friends may call after 2:00 p.m Monday, April 22, 2024 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City, where the family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:45 p.m. A Rosary will be held at 6:45 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dallas City with Fr. Tony Trosley as celebrant. Burial will follow in Harris Cemetery, near Dallas City.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for Courageous Smiles, Carthage or her children's future needs. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Traci's obituary at banksandbeals.com.