Evelyn Frances Parker

Evelyn Frances Parker was born on July 19, 1927 in the sand hills of Nebraska just as the Great Depression was getting started. At the age of eight, she and her family moved west to Centralia Washington where she began school and first showed her knack for numbers. Later, the family moved south to Cottage Grove, Oregon where she graduated high school. In 1952, Evelyn married the love of her life, Robert Parker. They were married for 43 years until his passing in 1995. Her passion for numbers never waned and at the age of 45, Evelyn decided to attend college to learn accounting. After completing several courses, she was able to apply her new skills through her remaining working life including Oregon Steel Mills in Portland where she began working in the accounting department at the age of 60. She passed on her passion for numbers to her son Steven, who also entered the field of accounting. Though you would not think of Evelyn as an athlete, she was an accomplished bowler and later in life would take up golf. Even at the age of 70, she could be seen driving her MG convertible on her way to play golf at Green Meadows. Evelyn loved many things, but mostly she loved to travel. Even after losing most of her sight, she continued to travel with her daughters Pat, Sue and Kathy, as well as other family members and friends. No place was too challenging for Evelyn as her travels took her internationally to China, Thailand, Ireland, Spain and France to name just a few. She even hiked Machu Picchu in Peru and wherever she went, her family had trouble keeping up with her energetic pace. When she wasn't traveling, she loved working in her backyard garden, filling it with flowering trees and plants that covered every color in the rainbow. She could often be found sitting out back admiring her work while the sounds of running water from the various fountains filled the air. She also loved music and books. She would sit at her piano and play for the family at gatherings. Always an avid reader, she didn't let her declining vision slow her down and continued with books on tape every day. We are all blessed for the many life lessons Evelyn taught us which have molded each of us into the people we are today. Her quick wit, great sense of humor often caught us off guard while her memory for past events and numbers always amazed us. She followed local and national events closely and was quick to comment when the facts didn't add up. Evelyn was a practical person with an abundance of common sense and her generosity and kindness for others made her a joy to be around. Evelyn "stepped aboard the train" for her last great adventure on September 3rd and is now at peace. She is survived by her three daughters Pat Miller, Susan Peterson and Kathleen Hergert; son Steven Parker; eight grandchildren Terry, Mike, Eric, Aaron, Christian, Katie, Stephanie and Brandon and three great grandchildren.

Evelyn Frances Parker

July 19, 1927 - September 3, 2014