Mary Elizabeth Parks

Mary Rose Parks, 85, of Terre Haute, passed away at 5:25 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009, in her residence with her family by her side. She retired from Columbia Records. She was born Dec. 15, 1923, in Terre Haute, to Charles Johnson and Eunice Ann Marshall Johnson.

Survivors include her loving husband of 64 years, Frank Parks, whom she married Dec. 9, 1944, in Louisville, Ky.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Elizabeth and Jim Lydick of West Terre Haute, and Linda and Bill Spangler of Riley; a sister, Sue Lacher of Terre Haute; five grandchildren, Mechelle Sweeting and her husband Mike, Amy Hogue, Eric Spangler and his wife Shelly, and Jenna Lydick, all of Terre Haute, and Trey Lydick of West Terre Haute; eight great-grandchildren; four stepgreat-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Charles Johnson and Ray Johnson; and three sisters, Bonnie Rukes, Gladys Sutton, and Louise Johnson.

She was a graduate of Concannon High School and Smart Appearance Beauty Academy. She had been a beautician and cosmetologist, and a lifelong member of the National Cosmetology Association. She also was a member of First Church of The Nazarene, the Riley Post Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary, and the Women of The Moose Lodge at Terre Haute. She loved to read and write poetry. She was a very devoted and loving wife and mother, and cherished every moment spent with her family. She will be missed by many who loved her dearly.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 N. Third, in West Terre Haute, with Pastors Loretta and Dan Romanyk officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. today, and one hour prior to services Wednesday. The family suggests that, if friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Wabash Valley, with envelopes available in the funeral home.