Anita Parker passed quietly on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at the Hospice House of Laramie at age 92. Born on September 26, 1924 in Alta Vista, Kansas, she was the only child of Lewis Edgar and Gladys Dean (nee Sizemore) Roberts. She was an excellent student and graduated from Alta Vista High School a year early. A dashing captain in the Army Air Corps swept her off her feet and she married Russ Parker at Herrington Army Air Field on November 26, 1944. Moving from post to post happened rapidly until Russ was transferred to the Pacific Island of Saipan where he stayed until the end of WWII. Upon his return home, they were stationed at Tyndall Field in Panama City, Florida where their son, Jeff, was born. Rus was soon transferred to the island of Okanawa and Anita again went home to Kansas to await his return. They ultimately landed in Laramie where daughter, Kim, was born in 1954.
Music, art, education and golf consumed much of her time. Known for her beautiful singing voice, she loved opera and followed it closely. Always looking to learn and grown, a passion for the Russian language blossomed and she became fluent and practiced on anyone will and able. Golf filled many of her later years where she met numerous lifetime friends and learned a few new words. Going to gold tournaments filled her summers while she and Russ played in Lake Havasu City, Arizona for ten winters. With a quick wit, she was always fun to talk to on any subject and maintained that sense of humor into her last days. Reading and learning were always priorities and added to her reputation as an interesting and entertaining conversationalist.
She is preceded in death by her husband in 2012.
Anita is survived by her son, Jeff (Dee) of Powell, daughter, Kim West (Myron) of Cheyenne, and grandsons, Jeremiah West of Vancouver, Washington and Brian West of Missoula, Montana.
At this time, no services are planned.
I have such fond memories of Anita at Spring Wind while I worked there. I spent much time in her room laughing with her and helping her when she would let me. I visited her a couple weeks before her death when I heard she was on Hospice. I loved her greatly. Her stories let me know that she had a wonderful life and will be greatly missed.
Kim and Jeff, I am deeply saddened to read about your Mom's death. I remember her as always being so cheerful and having a good joke to share. What a long and interesting life she lived. I'm certain her proudest accomplishment was the two of you. You are in my thoughts and I send my sincere condolences to all your family.
Jeff and Kim, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. She and my mom were good friends. Anita always had a sparkle and sense of humor. I know how you will miss her. Cheri Current Raab
I am one of the many who loved and admired Anita. The Parker family has my condolences and prayers.
Kim and family, I was very sorry to hear your mom passed away. I hadn't talked to her for a while, the last time being when we (my folks and I) toured Spring Wind be fore moving them in. Unfortunately, my folks only lived in Spring Wind two months before their passing, so I never returned up there. Your mom and dad for that matter played an important part of my childhood and adolescence.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.