Clara Elizabeth (Beth) Parker

Clara Elizabeth (Beth) Parker, 97, passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at Overland Court Senior Living in Boise, surrounded by her family. Beth was born May 15, 1920 in Russellville, Tennessee to Richard and Parolee Edens Seal. Her family lived in Tennessee and Spartanburg, SC until she was 5 when they moved to Rupert, Idaho. She attended school in Acequia and Rupert, graduating from Rupert High School in 1938. She became engaged to Delbert Hooper Parker in April before graduating and they married the following October, making their home in Acequia. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple. They purchased a small farm shortly after they married and spent 23 years there. In 1962, they built a new home in Rupert and moved the family to town, where they lived together until Del's passing in 1997. Beth lived in their home until she was 94 at which time she moved to Brookdale Assisted Living in Boise and eventually Overland Court, where she lived at the time of her passing. Beth joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1947 and served in many capacities throughout her life. From primary counselor, teacher, librarian, counselor in the Relief Society presidency under two presidents and as Relief Society president at the young age of 74, Beth served valiantly in whatever she was asked to do. She could often be found taking a meal to a family in need, visiting the sick or elderly, or helping a neighbor or family member. She never knew a stranger and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone and had a genuine love for her fellow man. She never worked outside the home, except occasionally during harvest and one season at Simplot's plant in Heyburn. She volunteered as a Pink Lady for many years and with other various organizations. She worked hardest at raising her 9 children. When the kids were younger she sewed many of their clothes and in later years always seemed to be sewing or crocheting something to be donated for a good cause. Del and Beth always grew a garden and she canned and preserved much of what was grown. She was happiest when surrounded by her family. Many happy memories were of times spent together at holidays, family reunions, and on camping or other trips. Beth is survived by her children: Karen Walker Bellevue, WA, Maretta Parker Bountiful, UT, Steven Parker (Gayleen) Ririe, ID, Dennis Parker Rupert, Laura Carlisle (Kay) Boise, ID, Allan Parker (Maree) Rock Springs, WY, Janet Greenwell (Jim) Park City, UT and Gina Waddell (Charles) Meridian, ID, 25 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren with one more on the way. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, her siblings Tyler, Ralph, Zelma, Bill, Thale, Hubert Seal and Livy Seal Eppers, her infant daughter Elizabeth Ann and son, Douglas Wayne. The family would like to thank the staff at Overland Court (Transitions) and Horizon Home Hospice for their love and care during the final months of her life. A special thanks to her niece, Darlene Frankenburg for the almost daily visits as well as the many family, friends and neighbors that visited, sent letters and cards or reached out to her in some way.

Friends and family are invited to attend a viewing on Friday, October 13th, from 6:00-8:00pm at Hansen Mortuary in Rupert, Idaho and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral services will be held Saturday morning, October 14th, at 11:00am at the Rupert LDS 5th Ward, 324 E 18th Street with Bishop Kyle Carpenter officiating. Burial will follow at the Rupert Cemetery under the direction of Hansen Mortuary.

Funeral Service Date of Service: Oct. 14, 2017