Melinda Lee Sparks

Melinda Lee Buckley Sparks, 87, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on October 28, 2026.

Born and raised in Irvington on Indianapolis's east side, Melinda was the daughter of the longtime owners of Buckley's Bradley Barbeque. She attended Thomas Carr Howe High School and became a registered nurse in 1960.

Melinda enjoyed a nursing career spanning nearly four decades, caring for patients in a pediatrician’s office and at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. She treasured the friendships and camaraderie of her colleagues. Her passion for caregiving continued beyond her hospital career through private-duty nursing.

Melinda maintained long friendships and, for years, made a tradition of personally calling friends and family to wish them a happy birthday.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lathair and Ouida Buckley; her sister, Marcia Ann Buckley Koch; and her brother, John Buckley.

She is survived by her children, Debbie (Peter) Omundson and Jeff (Debbie) Sparks; her grandchildren, Natalie, Keith (Nicole), Jackson (Dana), and Joseph; and her great-grandson, Logan, born just two days before her passing.

No services are planned. Melinda will be remembered by the family and friends whose lives were part of her story.