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Sparbel, Gary Gary Sparbel of Portage, MI passed away July 16, 2018. He was born March 17, 1946 in Lansing. He earned his Master's degree in Librarianship at Western Michigan University and worked as a reference librarian at Portage District Library for 30 years. Gary is survived by his wife: Deborah Ralston Sparbel; brother: Robert N. (Carol) Sparbel; close nieces: Amity and Desiree; nieces: Emily, Ariyanna, Juliette, Renee, Marli; Nephew: Bert; brother in-laws: Rick Ralston and Vaughn (Lynda) Ralston; sister in-law: Roberta Ralston; and special friends: Steve (Carol) Belson and Carolyn Mainone. Gary is preceded in death by his parents: Robert and Thelma (Nelson) Sparbel, father and mother in-law: Robert and Winifred (Herr) Ralston; and niece: Alena. Please visit Gary's webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can archive a photo, sign the guestbook, and share a memory. Memorial donations can be made to the Portage District Library or the charity of your choice.