Ada Ann Goodman Parke

MALTA - Ada Ann Goodman Parke, 96, passed away peacefully, at her home of 75 years, in Malta, Idaho, on Wednesday, April 20, 2016.

Ada was the third child and first girl of nine children born to George Francis and Celia Leotta Randell Goodman. Her surviving siblings are: Lee Goodman, Dorothy Shane, and Velma Egbert. The siblings that preceded her in death are: Ace Goodman, Dutch Goodman, Bert Goodman, Celia Henderson, and Wanda Thieme.

Being the oldest girl, Ada learned to bake bread in a wood-burning stove at 8 years of age. Life was full of hard work; she helped her mother cook, clean, wash, sew, and care for her siblings. There were also many fond childhood memories of good times with siblings and cousins.

Her family moved several times throughout the western states. She saw many things during her lifetime from bare footprints on a county dirt road to the footprints of man on the moon!

In 1940, while living in the beautiful Albion Valley that she loved, she met a handsome young cowboy riding his horse while she was walking home from church with her friends. A lifelong love was born and she went on to marry that cowboy, Glen Parke, and they had 61 wonderful years together.

She moved into the Parke family home in Malta and immediately stepped into the role of homemaker, wife, and care-giver to Dad Parke and Glen’s younger brother, Dude, due to a fatal accident that took Mother Parke’s life.

Ada was a devoted rancher’s wife, helpmate and partner. She raised a big garden, maintained a well-manicured yard with beautiful flowers, and, most importantly, she raised her children.

Glen and Ada were blessed with four children over a period of 16 years, Bob, Vicki, Helen, and Pat. Ada loved and supported them in many school activities, 4-H, queen contests, and high school rodeos. She and Glen also helped many young people in the area to achieve their goals as well.

She was a faithful member of the LDS Church, where she held many callings. She also rendered many acts of service to the community. She was a longtime 4-H leader and a proud, active member of Daughters of Utah Pioneers. She has been honored through the years in many special ways including, Grandma Rodeo Queen, parade marshal, and many other honors.

Ada was very loving and welcoming to all the people in the Malta Valley with a smile, hug, uplifting words, or thoughtful phone calls - making each one feel special. Ada was known for her beautiful smile and good attitude. She remained beautiful and grateful until the end.

She always delighted in seeing and visiting with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and was looking forward to her first great-great-grandchild due to arrive in July. Ada is survived by her children, Bob (Karla) Parke, Vicki (Bill) McIlvain, Helen (Harold) Ruby, and Pat (Galen) Gebauer; 12 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

Ada desired to thank all of her many friends and family who served her in her seasoned years.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Malta LDS Church with Bishop Richard Hall officiating. Burial, next to her eternal partner, will follow at the Valley Vu Cemetery in Malta. A celebration of life for family and friends, with dinner provided by the Malta 1st Ward Relief Society, will be held at the church following the graveside service.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, April 29, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley, 1350 E. 16th St., and from 1 until 1:45 p.m. Saturday preceding the service.

Ada suggested that donations be made to the Lions Eye Bank or the Malta Elementary Library; or, just have a warm smile and say a kind word to someone!