Elizabeth "Liz" Parker

Elizabeth R. Parker, who preferred to go by the name of Liz, passed away peacefully at the age of 86, in the early hours of Sunday morning  April 24, 2022. She was a mother of 3 daughters.

Liz was born January 31, 1936, in Davenport, Iowa. Her parents were Ralph Morton and Elva Elsie (Nash) Sanders. Liz met her husband, Dr. Carl Harold "Sonny" Parker in Davenport, Iowa while he was attending Chiropractic school.

 Our father used to describe our mother as, "a classic beauty - stunning," and she was. The two began dating, and soon were married. They remained as a loving couple until his passing on July 16th, 2016. Also, preceding Liz in death were her parents, a sister, Lucille Starling, and a brother Robert Sanders.

 As a mother, she was incredibly generous, loving, kind, and fiercely loyal and protective. She was always our "mama bear," and our best cheerleader, always rooting us on to be our best! She taught us all how to cook well, and how to be good mothers ourselves.

 As a grandmother, Liz graciously took on the role of watching the grandchildren until they were old enough for kindergarten. She worked tirelessly, selflessly, and was always unwavering in her love and devotion for them...thinking of others before herself. She always expressed the enjoyment she felt, caring for them during those impressionable years, and the fun she had watching them grow...reaching milestones, and mature into who they all are today. Mother had a huge influence on them and taught them how to be kind and love others. Those memories of her will always be held close and dear.

 In addition to loving her grandchildren, Liz loved to cook and try out new recipes for her family; she even had one published in the local newspaper. She loved to gar den, can jellies, and grow flowers. She also loved sewing and crocheting tablecloths, scarfs and beautiful infant blankets and clothing, which are now heirlooms.

 Liz is survived by her daughter Angie Carpenter and her husband John of Clark, MO, her Daughter Jacci Westhues and her fiancée Darren Hoffman of Columbia, MO and her daughter Palmera Parker of Sturgeon, MO. Liz also has several grandchildren, Lauren and Hunter Hughes and his wife Abigail of Columbia, MO, Aron Carpenter and his Fiancée Casey Riggs, and Andrew Dent of Clark, MO.  Liz also has great-grandchildren, Azlynn Johannsen and Kaiden Carpenter of Clark, MO.

 “Mother, you may be gone... but never forgotten"

Services honoring and celebrating Liz’s life were held at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, committal prayer and burial followed.