Mary Parks

MARY L. PARKS IDAHO FALLS, ID - Mary LaRue Parks, 77, of Idaho Falls, died August 21, 2003, at the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. She was born June 22, 1926 at Salem, Idaho to George Raymond Shelton and Orpha Stevens Belnap Shelton. She grew up in the area, attended Riverside Elementary, and graduated from Idaho Falls High School. She then attended Western Union Company School for a year. On March 30, 1945, she married Fred Allen Parks in Portland, Oregon. They lived in Portland for 3 years where she was an office manager for Western Union. They then moved to Idaho Falls where she has since resided. She worked for the Department of Energy in contracts management as a Procurement Specialist. She was an active member of the Democratic Party, Lily Rebecca Lodge, PEO, a State Officer for AARP, and was nominated for the “8 Who Make A Difference” Volunteer of the Year Award. She spent many hours volunteering for the Idaho Falls Food Bank, Bonneville County Museum and American Red Cross. She was a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church and served as an Elder, Deacon, and sang in the choir. She was also a member of Agape. She enjoyed camping, hunting, horseback riding, and loved cooking for her friends and family. Surviving are: Son: David (Beverly) Parks, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Lenny (Les) Harjala, Forest Grove, OR Brother: Loren Shelton, Salt Lake City, UT 6 Grandchildren and 7 Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 2 sisters, 2 brothers and her husband. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m Monday, August 25, 2003, at the First Presbyterian Church (325 Elm St.), with Reverend Dr. Dennis Falasco officiating. The family will visit with friends for one hour prior to the service at the church. The family suggests donations be made to Turtle and Crane, 1950 First Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83401.