Karolie Kay Sparlin (Keep), 86, of Montrose, Colorado, passed away April 24, 2026. Karolie was born December 1, 1939, in Olathe, Colorado, the daughter of Fred R. Keep and Iris R. Keep (Hunt). She spent her childhood growing up on her family’s farm in Olathe. In high school, Karolie was a majorette and a talented musician who played the accordion, drums, saxophone, banjo, and piano. One of her many gifts was being able to play music by ear, and she also loved to dance. After graduating in 1958, she married Charles Ray (deceased) and had three children before divorcing. Then On December 22, 1982, Karolie married Robert J. (Bob) Sparlin, who also had three children. They made their home in Montrose, where Karolie worked for many years as a waitress at the Red Barn and as a cashier at Vurls Farm Supply. She loved working with people. Karolie also helped care for the family business, Sparlin Trucking, for many years.

She is survived by her husband Robert J. (Bob) Sparlin; Her children: Shauna & (Ken) Crombie of Montrose CO, Jayden Zunich & (Leonard Garcia) of Denver CO, Jace Zunich of Telluride, CO,

Danette & (Roy) Pryor of Delta, CO, Ashley & ( Kyle) Marchbanks of Montrose, CO.

Terry & (Amy) Ray of Montrose Co, Tyler & (Shyla) Ormsbee of Montrose CO, Ryan & ( Samantha) Ormsbee of Montrose, CO.

Her stepchildren: Shane Sparlin of Montrose CO, Shayleen Sparlin of Grand Junction CO.

Wendy & (Vern) Willis of Delta CO. Dustin Willis, Lee Willis, Keegan Willis,

Jim & (Karolynn) Sparlin of SanDiago, CA. Connor Sparlin of San Diago CA.

Karolie has seven (7) great grandchildren and twins are coming.

Karolie has one surviving brother: Dan & (Audrey) Keep and a sister Kenna Rae (Joe) Bateman.

Karolie was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Charles Ray and a

nephew, Nicolas K. Cappano.

The family will be doing a Celebration of Life: May 15,2026 at: 3PM- Montrose Event Center

648 So. 1st Street, Montrose, CO 81401

Lite lunch will be provided.        Desserts are welcome.