Obituary of Shirley Parker

Shirley Parker, age 71, of Arriba, Colorado passed away January 30, 2010 at her home in Arriba. Shirley was born February 23, 1938 in Spearman, Texas to O.H. and Mannie Ruth (Patrick) Gowen. She was one of three children born to this union. Shirley was raised in Amarillo, TX and following high school she attended Amarillo Community College. On December 23, 1956, Shirley married Richard Lee Parker in Tucumcari, New Mexico. To this union four children were born, Cindy, Patrick, Michael, Kathleen. The couple made their home in the Denver area where they owned and operated a drywall finishing company. Following Richard’s retirement, the couple relocated to Arriba, Colorado. Shirley enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking, canning food and always hosted holiday meals. She loved quilting from dishtowels to curtains and quilts for her grandchildren. Shirley was preceded in death by her, father O.H. Gowen; and her mother, Mannie Ruth Gowen; her husband, Richard Parker; two brothers, Ralph “R.D.” and Patrick “Butch”. Shirley is survived by her children, Patrick Parker of Bailey, CO, Michael Parker of Austin, TX, Cindy and husband David Happs of Westminister, CO and Kathleen Baker of Thornton, CO. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.