Obituary for Darlene Parker

Darlene Gloria Parker

May 27, 1937 – October 7, 2018

It is with heavy hearts that the Parker family announces the loss of their beloved matriarch, Darlene Gloria Parker. Darlene lived in Ponca City until her death on Sunday, October 7, 2018. She passed from this world peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 80 years young.

A funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Freewill Baptist Church of Ponca City, 1900 East Hubbard Road. Burial to follow at thePonca City IOOF Cemetery on South Waverly. A luncheon for the family will begin at 12:30 before the funeral at the church. Friends are welcome to come pay their respects to Darlene from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10th and Thursday October 11th at Grace Memorial Chapel, 2016 N 14th Street Ponca City, OK. Minister Adam Phillips will officiate the service. Pallbearers will include Mark Ramsey, Jake Ramsey, Brandon Parker, David Parker, Nick Parker, and Sam Miller.

Darlene was born on May 27, 1938 in Denver, Colorado to Mr. John Thomas Ricker and Mrs. Joan Ricker Smotone Klinman. She attended Ponca High School. In 1956 she met the love of her life, Gerald Parker. Mr. Parker was a well known a plumber. On September 30, 1956 they were united in marriage. This union was blessed with four children and many grandchildren. Darlene always said her best accomplishment in life was her family. She was gracious and kind and always put the needs of her family above her own.
The family moved to Newkirk, Oklahoma where, in the 1970’s Darlene ran the Hut Drive-In. All of the kids in town took up with her so much that they called her “Mom”. During this time, she grew a very large garden at her home.

The family then moved to Colorado to begin a new chapter where Darlene worked for King Super in the deli department. She had a graceful talent for creating beautiful garnishes in the shape of flowers and swans out of vegetables. Her edible works of art were in high demand.

The couple moved back to Oklahoma where Darlene worked for fifteen years at Conoco. It was there, while working in the deli, that she met her best friend, Cindy Heidlage. The Parkers built two beautiful and cherished brick homes during this time. Both Darlene and Gerald attended Freewill Baptist Church and were saved there, giving their lives over to the Lord. Darlene was a talented singer, singing gospel hymns for services at their church.

She enjoyed crocheting in her younger years, doing word search puzzles, and drawing. She usually drew sceneries which included trees and flowers. Darlene was also quite a collector of household gadgets. Any item that claimed to make cleaning or cooking easier sounded like something she needed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two Stepbrothers, son Harold Parker, and great grandson Carter Austin Ramsey.

Darlene is survived by her daughter Lynn and husband Carl Hinners of Bethalto, IL; son Jerry Parker and daughter Lisa Ramsey both of Ponca City, OK.

Her grandchildren from Daughter Lynn include: Breanna Eitzmann from Woodriver, IL; Caitlyn Eitzmann of Brighton, IL; and Eric Eitzman of Bethalto, IL. Great Grandchildren from daughter Lynn include: Stacy Brown, Ella Richey, and Ava Richey; Caidence Powers, Gabe Eitzmann, Madison Flannery, and her first great-great grandchild Landon.

Grandchildren from son Harold include: Nicholas and wife Buffey Parker of Edmond, OK; David and wife Kira Parker of Ponca City, OK and Kendra Parker and boyfriend RT Rouse also of Ponca City. Great grandchildren from son Harold include: Michael and Mikayla Parker; and Miah, Deliah and Sophiah Parker.

Grandchildren from son Jerry include: Brandon and wife Heather Parker of Ponca City, OK. ;Miranda Barker and husband Steven Kirk of Kaw City, OK; Morgan and husband Samuel Miller of Ponca City, OK and Phylicia and husband Shawn Price of Redding, CA; Great grandchildren from son Jerry include: Tylie and Parker Price; Brooklyn, Samuel Jr., and Hailey Miller; Gage and Chase Barker; and Blake and Ryder Parker.

Grandchildren from her daughter Lisa include: Krissie and husband Otis Reeves of Owasso/Tulsa; Kayla Ramsey and Michael Woodruff ; Kassie Ramsey; Mark Ramsey, and Jake and wife Katrina Ramsey all of Ponca City, OK. Great grandchildren from daughter Lisa include: Promise and Patience Renfro; Parker and Paisley Reeves; Zack Reeves and Jose Mota both of Bartlesville, OK; Kadence Stuart; Noah Woodruff; Kyler Mayfield; Kameron Ramsey; Karsyn Stuart; Autumn Ramsey; Kolby and Heidy Ramsey all of Ponca City, OK.

Also surviving Darlene are daughters-in-law Debbie and husband David Parker-Unruh, daughter-in-law Donna Parker and fiancé Bill, and son-in-law Mark Allen Ramsey.