Irene Parker

Irene Drake Parker

February 1, 1919 ~ February 17, 2015

How lucky we feel to have had our beautiful Mother for ninety-six years!   Irene Drake Parker was born at home on February 1, 1919, in Ogden, Utah, the first child of Ira M. and Hazel Knight Drake and passed away on February 17, 2015.

Mom was an extremely friendly child who loved having friends, and this trait continued throughout her life.  She attended Weber High School and was elected Vice President of the Student Body and Girls’ Association President.

Mom was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Wilson Canal and willingly served in every organization within the church.

On January 13, 1932, after attending a church activity, she met a handsome young man, Lynn J. Parker.  Although she was only fourteen years old, she knew this guy was special.  On July 19, 1937, she and Lynn were wed and later sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.  They were married seventy-three years until his death on September 7, 2010.  Mom and Dad resided in the old Drake home in Wilson Lane for 58 years; we all agree we had the best childhood ever growing up on the farm.

Always a physically active woman, she league bowled and was able to golf until she was ninety-three, belonging to several golf associations in northern Utah.  She loved to play cards (especially pinochle and 31), and learned to play Bridge when she was ninety years old.  She loved to watch all sports, especially the Utah Jazz.  She and Dad enjoyed being season ticket holders to the Ogden Raptors.

Mom and Dad wintered in St. George, joining old friends and making new ones.  They loved to golf and together organized the St. George Golf Club Men’s and Women’s Associations.

In 1958, she attended Weber Jr. College.  After giving birth to her eighth child, she returned to college and was a member of the first four-year WSC graduating class in 1964.  She taught P.E. at Ben Lomond High School and also served as the BL Community School Director. She loved her BL students, and everybody loved Mrs. Parker, also known as “Queen of the Scots.”

She was proud of her pioneer heritage and was a 62-year member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, serving in both camp and company leadership positions.  In 2002, she was chosen First Attendant to the Pioneer Days Queen.

Mom served in many organizations (too many to list), but some of her favorites were:  Wilson, Wahlquist, & Weber PTA, Weber County Recreation Council, American Business Women’s Association, Golden Spike Antique Car Association, Alpha Beta Kappa, and the National Education Association (lifetime member).

She dearly loved volunteering at the WSU Alumni Office and being on the Alumni and Emeriti Councils.  She and Dad were honored to be chosen 2004 WSU Alumni Homecoming Royalty.

After Dad’s passing, Mom moved to Legacy Assisted Living (Bingo was her favorite activity) and acquired many new friends, not only the residents but especially the sweet people who worked there.  We can’t thank the Legacy staff enough for their love for our Mom.

She was always so proud of her eight children, who survive her:  Deanna Jensen, Ron, Barbara (Jim) Carter, Sheri (Don) Scott, Joan (Lamar) Hirschi, Kerry (Wendi), Mark (Wendy), Tim, and her only brother, Dr. Eldon Drake.  She has 30 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.  Preceding her in death were her husband, her sisters Iona Stoker, Jean Williams, and Joan Drake; sons-in-law, Bill Henley and Paul Jensen; daughter-in-law, Madge Parker; and granddaughter, Wendy Parker.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.  Friends may visit with family on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the mortuary.  Interment, Ogden City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the WSU Alumni Association in her name.