Clara Parker

CLARA T. PARKER

Clara Thelma Parker, age 99, of Kahoka, MO, died Tuesday, June 5, 2012 while a patient at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

Clara was born February 6, 1913 on a farm near Liberty, IL, a daughter of John Michael and Maud Russell House Johnson Leapley. She was the third of five children born to this union. She had a half brother and two half sisters from her dad's previous marriage and 3 half-brothers and 1 half sister from her mom's previous marriage.

She was married to Chester Leaton Arntzen on August 20, 1930. They were the parents of Roger Leaton Arntzen. Chester preceded her in death on March 11, 1944. Through friends, she met Wm. Edward Parker and was married December 31, 1947. They were the parents of a daughter, Mary, and two sons, John and Steven.

Survivors include three sons: Roger L. (Tessie) Arntzen of Jacksonville, FL, John F. (LaDonna) Parker of Luray, MO and Steven E. Parker of Kahoka, MO; one daughter, Mary (Mrs. Steve) Wilson of Kahoka, MO; nine grandchildren: Jeff Arntzen of Kahoka, MO, Scott (Lauren) Arntzen of Davis, CA, Michelle (Mrs. Chris) Ebeling of Wyaconda, MO, Jamie (Mrs. Jay) Perry of Kahoka, MO, Shaun (P.J.) Parker of Luray, MO, Marcus Parker of Dallas, TX, Clayton Parker of Kahoka, MO, Katie Franke of Wellington, KS, and Dustin (Jade) Parker of Stronghurst, IL; seventeen great-grandchildren; a sister, Frances Leeper of Phoenix, AZ; sister-in-law, Alice Leapley of Camp Point, IL; as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; grandson, David E. Parker; and siblings: Faye Dieterle, Bill Leapley, Helen Stevens, Henry Leapley, Jesse Lierly, Leta Deege, Russell, George and Herbert Johnson, and Esther Bullerd.

Most of her early life was spent in Illinois and following Chesters death, she worked at Electric Wheel until her marriage to Edward. They farmed with Edward's father near Lorraine, IL until moving in December of 1951 to Ashton, MO.

Clara was a cook at the former Ashton school and then later in the Clark Co. R-1 School system until retiring in 1975. Most of Clara's life was spent as a homemaker and caring for others is what she did best, whether 200 baby chicks, the occasional orphan lamb or calf, or her children and grandchildren. She loved to quilt, crochet and garden, but her true passion was her flowers. She and Ed enjoyed traveling, fishing, playing cards and were blessed with good friends and dear family. Clara was an excellent cook and took great pride in preparing meals and baked goods for her family. She cherished her children and grandchildren and time spent with them.

Funeral services were held Saturday, June 9, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with Rev. Marie Paterik officiating. Burial was in the Ashton Cemetery.

Memorials were suggested to the Ashton Cemetery or the Clark Co. Local Cancer Fund.