Mary Frances Parker, age 85, of Phoenix, passed away on Saturday, May 05, 2018. She was born on January 14, 1933 to the late Fredrick Allison and Mary Frances (Martin) Hemphill in Franklin, Indiana. She was a graduate of Franklin High School then attended Franklin College. Mary worked as a Sales Person for Sears and Roebuck in Columbus, IN retiring after 30 years of service. On January 31, 1953 she married Ronald Lynn Parker in Columbus, IN. She was a member of First Christian Church in Columbus, IN. She enjoyed singing, visiting the ocean, playing bridge, and raising her five children. After falling victim to valley fever she dedicated her retirement years to broaden the awareness and help the survivors of valley fever. Mary is survived by her five loving children, Bruce Alan (Robin) Parker, Brian Allison (Louise) Parker, Beverly Jean Parker, Brent Herman Parker, and Barbara L. Parker and spouse Gary Hughes; three grandchildren, Amy Michelle (Jerry) Weddle, Angela Loudean Tolen, Alan Lynn (Laura) Parker; five great grandchildren, Nathan Walsh, Landon Fletcher, Bryson Fletcher, Cameron Parker, and Grady Parker; and many other loving family and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald, and her sister, Betty Kime. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday June 9, 2018, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home at 3855 25th Street Columbus, IN 47203. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service Saturday June 9th at the funeral home. With Virgil Clotfelter officiating. Following the service, inurnment will be at Garland Brook Cemetery 501 N Gladstone Ave, Columbus, IN 47201 . After the funeral, a memorial luncheon will be held at 1 p.m. at the Ruddick-Nugent House, 1210 16th Street, where family and friends will gather in celebration of Fanny’s life. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary’s honor may be made to the University of Arizona Foundation for Nik Z cure for Valley Fever.
Mail to: University of Arizona/Valley Fever Center for Excellence Dr. John Galgiani
Medical Research Building, Room 119
1656 E. Mabel St.
P.O. Box 245215
Tucson, Arizona 85724
Make check payable to: University of Arizona Foundation
Foundation tax number: 86-6050388.
