Barbara Jean Parker

Barbara Jean Parker, 73, of Joseph, formerly of La Grande, died Saturday, April 19, 2008 at Wildflower Lodge, a local care facility.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Barbara to be announced at a later date.

Barbara Jean Parker was born on July 27, 1934 to Arnold and Bernice (Phillips) Suydam in La Grande where she was raised and educated, graduating with the La Grande High School class of 1952. While working in a local restaurant she met a recently discharged soldier and on January 22, 1957 she was married to Hubert "Hugh" Parker in La Grande. They lived in Seattle for a short time before making their home in Wallowa County. Barbara worked as a custodian for the Wallowa County Courthouse until retiring in 1997.
Barbara loved the outdoors, boating, fishing, camping and cutting wood. She enjoyed gardening, both vegetables and flowers. She was very proud of her yard and garden. She liked to crochet and paint the yard ornaments that her husband Hugh made.
Survivors include her husband, Hugh Parker of Joseph; children, Sally Parker of Hermiston, Scott Parker of Joseph, Teresa Currier of Bend, Michael Parker of Athena; Twelve grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Robert "Bob" Suydam.

Friends who wish may make contributions in memory of Barbara Parker to the Alzheimer's Association in care of Daniels~Knopp, Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 Seventh Street, La Grande, OR 97850.