Geneva Louise Parker

September 19, 1931 - August 23, 2015

Geneva Louise Parker, 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 23, 2015 in Orem, Utah surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Louise was born on September 19, 1931 to Jesse Franklin Kelton and Geneva Estelle Murphy in Gadsden, Alabama. Louise was an only child and was very young when her parents divorced. When she was eight years old, she and her mother moved to Seattle to start a new life. School was hard at first because of her accent, but she soon won them over with her southern charm! Her mother remarried and her new husband adopted young Louise. She took on his name of Brooks. As a teen, she loved to roller skate and competed with a partner. She completed high school in Renton, Washington and then went on and completed secretarial training. In her early twenties, she was hired at Boeing Aircraft as an executive secretary. She recounted having the opportunity to watch the take-off and landing of the maiden flight of the first B-52 Boeing aircraft. In 1957, Louise and her girlfriend Thelma, equipped with a brand new powder blue convertible sedan gifted to them by Thelma's father, left Seattle for San Diego to start a new chapter in their lives. In 1959, she met Bob Parker, and they married on her birthday that same year in Las Vegas, Nevada. Within a year their first child was born, a son named David. Then, two years later, a daughter was born named Julye. Except for living in Colorado for two years early in their marriage, they raised their family in Southern California. In 1976, the entire family of four was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fountain Valley, California. A year later, they moved to San Diego and lived there until 1990 when Bob and Louise moved to Utah to be closer to their grandchildren. Louise was an excellent wife, mother and grandmother. She was an amazing cook, and was famous for her "dinner parties". She loved entertaining! Her family benefited most as she always provided a hot breakfast and dinner for them. She also loved to sew making outfits for her children and grandchildren, as well as many home decor items. She could fit a ruffle on anything. Her signature color for decorating was any shade of pink. She also loved to refinish furniture, as well as reupholstering many a chair. Louise made holidays magical! The grand kids loved going to Grandma Parker's house, and had many sleepovers that ended with one of her amazing breakfasts. The Pleasant Grove house was a magic castle to them all. From the secret rooms, the loft, the sewing room, great-grandma's "off-limits" room, the "scary downstairs", and the huge living room and yard. This was a fantastical place because of her love. They still speak of these memories with extreme fondness. Her church callings were numerous, the most notable being Primary President, Relief Society President and Young Women’s President. Her first girl’s camp experience in the 70’s was unforgettable for the girls as she stepped out of her tent into the dirt in high heels and a dress! She even served as Young Women’s President and went to camp at 65! The girls ended up loving her, and went to her for advice as if she was their own grandmother. She was a great example of elegance and charm to everyone she served. After years of service to others, she then cared for her mother and mother-in-law in her home as well as her husband until his death in 2009. She had back surgery in 2009, but never returned to full mobility. She literally gave her all. She spent her final months in the Orem Nursing and Rehab where she had also volunteered for years. Every nurse and doctor who took care of her said the same thing: She was always so sweet to them and everyone she came into contact with. Those who cared for her knew and loved her. We tried to move her to a facility closer to home, but she wouldn't have it. The family wishes to thank her care givers at Orem Rehab and Nursing. She loved you all, and you made her feel at home! Louise is preceded in death by her husband, Bob Parker. She is survived by her son, David (Elaine), her daughter, Julye (Barry), five grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. She will be honored in a private family service and laid to rest in the Orem, Utah City Cemetery. Louise was a great example of compassion and charity towards others. She set the standard for class and grace and her legacy will live on through the family and friends she loved and served so completely. We can’t wait to bake cookies with you on the other side, Grandma! ​​ She will be honored in a private family service and laid to rest in the Orem City Cemetery.