Mrs. Maria Refugio Palacios Sifuentes, affectionately known as Mary, age 86 of Sparta passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at her residence surrounded by her family.

Mary was born July 5, 1939 in Navajo, New Mexico to the late Manuel and Refugio Perez Palacios. She had a work career that spanned from collecting tickets at the movie theater in San Jose, California to making Levi's to ultimately working as a bakery clerk. She loved her Lord and was happy to share her faith. Mary was proud of the accomplishment of leading many people to the Lord through her faith. However, her proudest accomplishment was the title of Grandma. Her grandchildren lit up her life and she followed her daughter and family from Oregon to Tennessee to be with them.

In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her son John Jeffrey Sifuentes and twenty one siblings.

Survivors include her husband of 68 years Juan "John" Sifuentes

Daughter: Melanie Voorhees and husband Hank

Four grandchildren: Josh Voorhees, Jeremy Voohees, Kaylee Voorhees and Krista Voorhees

Two brothers: Manuel Palacios, Danny Palacios and wife Delores

A host of nieces and nephews also survive

Hunter Funeral Home has been entrusted with Mary's cremation and no public services are planned.