Mary Jane Parker, age 94, passed away in Kalispell, Montana on Friday May 4, 2012. Mary was born March 1, 1918 in Cut Bank, Montana to Thomas and Josephine (Riechter) Whipple. Mary was raised in the Cut Bank and Valier areas and graduated from Valier High School. In 1934, she married Phil Parker in Cut Bank. They lived on a sheep ranch until 1942 when they moved to Kalispell. Mary worked for the Kalispell Laundry for about 10 years then went to work for the County Nursing Home as a cook for another 20 years before retiring. After her retirement she volunteered at the Brendan House and Immanuel Lutheran Home, the R.S.V.P. and helped in the local schools with the administration of fluoride treatments. She also volunteered for the Meals on Wheels as a dining room volunteer. Mary loved to play cards, specifically with the 500 group, Pinochle and Whist. She played cards up till her death. Mary was associated with the Scandanavian Fraternity for a short time. She had been a long time member of First Presbyterian Church. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband Phil in 1983 and a grandson James Dixon. She is survived by her 3 children, Jean Dixon of Missoula, MT; John Parker of Hamilton, MT; Bill Parker of Kalispell, Mt; sister Lucille "Babe" Struse of Valier. 2 grandchildren Jay Parker of Florida and Kathy Parker of Boulder, CO. The family asks for no flowers, and wishes contributions be made to Home Options Hospice, 275 Corporate Drive Ste. 600, Kalispell, MT. 59901.
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