Our dear Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Great-Great grandmother, Nana to all, and respected friend, Opal Hurst Parker, passed away peacefully January 13, 2021, in Flagstaff, Arizona at the age of 92. Mom was born August 14, 1928, in Mohave, California to Ocie Foss Hurst and Fae Elenor Shelley Hurst. After her brother Charley was born, they moved to Mt. Trumble. Az. That is where she attended grade school later moving to Fredonia, AZ where her little brother Dale was born. Mom attended schools in both Fredonia and Kanab. While living in Fredonia, Mom met the love of her life and on October 19, 1947 they were married. They made many moves together with dads work, later settling in Cottonwood, Arizona where they made their home. Mom and dad lived a life devoted to each other and their children, enjoying hunting, camping and fishing up until the day Dad passed. Mom was an avid reader, a skilled seamstress making clothing for her kids, hundreds of quilts, baby blankets, for all her children, grands, great grands, even the great-great grands. She loved quilting, and was extremely determined and talented. Mom was an excellent cook and took pride in food preservation. Having a large family, she was very mindful of the importance of food storage. She bottled meat, vegetables, jams and jelly and always made her own bread. She truly was a pioneer woman.
Mom was a lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and even served as a seminary teacher while living in Cottonwood. She was always the first to help anyone in need no matter the needs or circumstances. Mom was a good listener, but you better be ready to listen back, as she was not shy to a scolding. After dad passed, Mom moved to be closer to her children, and lived in St. John’s Arizona before finally moving to Flagstaff. Up to her last day, moms mind was sharp as a tack. She never missed anyone’s birthday, anniversary, or special occasion and always called and send cards for each event. She was so very grateful for her many blessings and freely shared her blessings with those around her.
Survivors include children: Robert (Janet) Parker of Flagstaff, Arizona, Gayle (Glen) Hammons of St. George, Utah, Cheryl (Doug) Canter of Mesa, Arizona, Sandi (Sonny) Cummard of Queen Creek, Arizona, Ronald (Bonnie) Parker of Kanab, Utah, Wayne (Evelyn – deceased) Knape of Kanab, Utah; brother Dale (Teressia) Johnson of Fredonia, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack Parker; children Marie Parker and Evelyn Ann Knape; brother Charley Hurst and sister Gene Porter. Her life was blessed with 20 Grandchildren, 76 Great Grandchildren and 17 Great-Great Grandchildren. Due to the current health conditions, graveside services will be January 23, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at the Fredonia Cemetery. Grave dedication by Sonny Cummard.