Diane M. (Michalik) Hughes-Sparks of Cuba, Missouri was born on Jan. 28, 1944 in St. James, Missouri to Joe and Helen Michalik and passed away Sunday, March 1, 2026 at the age of 82 years.
She worked several years at Meramec Electric.
She enjoyed the beach and looking for shark’s teeth, indulging in crab legs and trying her luck at the casino. She was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.
She loved flowers and spent many hours tending to her garden and watching the birds.
In her later years, she made her home at Victorian Place.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Helen Michalik; first husband, Jim Hughes; second husband, Sonny Sparks; youngest son, Thomas J. Hughes; and brother in-law, Michael Gary Jett.
She is survived by her children, James “Jim” Hughes and wife Kelly, Cheri Hughes and Carolyn Sanazaro and husband Dan; six grandchildren, Jordan Hansel and husband Tony, Lane Sanazaro and wife Jessi, Catie Johnson and husband Seth, Lacey Sanazaro (Bryer), Cameron Hughes (Alexis) and Braiden Hughes; three great grandchildren, William Hansel, Katherine Hansel and Calliope Hughes; sister, Donna Jett; dear friend, Ron; three step grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba, Missouri.
Funeral service was held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba, Missouri with Fr. Mark Smith officiating.
In keeping with her wishes, Diane was cremated following the funeral service.
Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba, Missouri.
