Ruth Elaine Parks

Born in Zuni ,Virginia, died peacefully in her sleep at HCR Manor Care Nursing Home in Alexandria Virginia. She is the widow of James Theodore Parks from Chelsea Oklahoma to whom she was married for 35 years. She was pre-deceased by her parents Robert Lee Sadler and Edith Luter Sadler. She is survived by her sister Ina Mae Sadler, her daughter Pamela Mae Parks Tinker, her son James Robert Parks, son-in-law Bruce Purdy Tinker, Luis Aguilar, and grandchildren Robert Sadler Tinker and Rebecca Purdy Tinker, and her husband Jacob Cummings. She is also survived by many dearly loved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

She grew up in Zuni, Virginia on her parents’ peanut farm and attended Windsor High School. Elaine graduated from Hiwassee College in Madisonville, Tennessee, with a two year Associate Degree, and worked for the Federal Government in Washington DC where she met her husband, Jim Parks. Elaine was a loving mother, wife and friend. She worked together with her husband for many years as the corporate Secretary of Real Equity Corporation. She was a member of Springfield United Methodist Church.

Elaine was involved in creating community in the newly developed Springfield region in the 1960’s. As an early member of the Springfield Women’s clubs she was instrumental in the funding of mental health services in the Springfield area by creating the Pink Elephant Thrift Shop. She and her husband were founding members of Springboard Recreation Center, and she was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader among many other volunteer activities over her lifetime. Her down to earth gardening, cooking and wisdom served to inspire the creation of Frog Pond Early Learning Center in Alexandria, VA.

A celebration of the life of Ruth Elaine Parks will be held on Saturday December 20, 2014 at National Memorial Park Funeral Home at 2:00 followed by the interment at the park and a reception with light refreshments at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Capital Caring (hospice and palliative care) 2900 Telestar Court, Falls Church VA 22042, www.capitalcaring.org or Frog Pond Early Learning Center, 7204 Harrison Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306, www.frogpondkids.org