Mary Jane Parker, 94

Mary Jane Parker, 94, passed away in Kalispell on Friday, May 4, 2012. 

Mary was born March 1, 1918, in Cut Bank to Thomas and Josephine (Riechter) Whipple. 

Mary was raised in the Cut Bank and Valier areas and graduated from Valier High School.

In 1934, she married Phil Parker in Cut Bank. They lived on a sheep ranch until 1942, when they moved to Kalispell.  

Mary worked for the Kalispell Laundry for about 10 years, then went to work for the County Nursing Home as a cook for another 20 years before retiring. After her retirement she volunteered at the Brendan House and Immanuel Lutheran Home, the R.S.V.P., and helped in the local schools with the administration of fluoride treatments. She also volunteered for the Meals on Wheels as a dining room volunteer.

Mary loved to play cards, specifically with the 500 group, pinochle and whist. She played cards up until her death. Mary was associated with the Scandinavian Fraternity for a short time. 

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband Phil in 1983; and a grandson, James Dixon. 

She is survived by her three children, Jean Dixon of Missoula, John Parker of Hamilton, and Bill Parker of Kalispell; sister, Lucille “Babe” Struse of Valier;  two grandchildren, Jay Parker of Florida, and Kathy Parker of Boulder, Colo.

A celebration of life service will be held later this year.

The family asks for no flowers and wishes contributions be made to Home Options Hospice, 275 Corporate Dr., Suite 600, Kalispell, MT 59901. 

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family. Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence.