Ruth Marie Parker

Born on October 26, 1921 to Austin C. and Bertha E (Brinkey) Wernet on the family farm near Hanoverton, Ohio, Ruth graduated from Augusta High School (1939) and Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Canton (1942). Immediately on receiving her certification as an RN, she joined the US Navy Nurse Corps (1943).

In 1944, Ruth married Paul D. Parker, a Marine aviator, and raised her family of nine children on a succession of Navy and Marine air bases in North Carolina, Guam, Virginia, California, and Florida. In 1963, when Paul retired from the Marine Corps, the family settled in Austin, Texas. With children from college-age to three years old, Ruth resumed her nursing career, working in Austin at Seton Hospital, the University of Texas Health Center, Holy Cross Hospital, and the Head Start Program in East Austin. During this time she also served as President of District Nine, Texas Nurses Association. From 1971-74 the family lived in Tyler, where Ruth worked at Mother Frances Hospital. Moving to Grand Prairie in 1974, Ruth worked at St. Paul Hospital in Dallas until she retired. After Paul died in 1991, Ruth remained in Grand Prairie until 2005 when she returned to Austin.

Throughout her adult life, Ruth served as a role model for children and as an example to anyone who was paying attention. Unfailingly compassionate, she saw the best in everyone and everything, and she made the best of any situation. When faced with decisions regarding her advancing Parkinson’s, she was clearly unconcerned. Her unwavering faith gave her the confidence that God’s love would see her through..

Ruth is survived by her children: Paul D. Parker II (Lee) of Stafford, VA.; Karen Parker (Richard Tulk), William F. Parker, Mary Elliott (David), and Stephen Parker, all of Austin; J. Michael Parker (Kay) and Ellen Parker-Hall (Stanley) of San Antonio; and Catherine Gulley and Angela Pearce (Danny) of Arlington; a sister, Helen Maliwesky of Columbus, Ohio; 19 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation November 30, 2012 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Moore Funeral Home

Funeral Service December 1, 2012 11:00 am St Maria Goretti Catholic Church 1200 S Davis Drive Arlington, Texas