Frances T. Parker passed away unexpectedly on Monday February 28, 2011 at St Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham. She was born September 28, 1936 in Sylva, North Carolina to Earl and Edna Deitz. On April 22, 1955, Frances married John “Matt” Parker in Lyman and just last year celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary. Frances and Matt made their home in Lyman where they raised their two daughters. They made countless special memories with friends and family there. Frances was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed quilting with the ladies, baking for her daughters, gardening and camping/fishing with family. But most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her two beloved granddaughters.
Frances is survived by her two daughters, Tina Ellison and her husband David and daughter Chloe of Burlington, Tracy Tesarik and her husband Chad and daughter Sydney of Mount Vernon. Her sister, Betty Parris of Gaffney, South Carolina and her brother Harold Dietz and his wife Lois of Bothell, Washington, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband Matt, her parents Earl and Edna Deitz and her infant brother Billy Deitz.
The family would like to extend a very special thanks to the doctors and nurses of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Intensive Care Unit.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 11am at the Lyman Cemetery. A reception will follow at the family home. Visitation is available on Thursday and Friday from 9am to 5pm at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Memorials are suggested to United General Hospital or your favorite charity. Please share our memories of Frances and sign the online guestbook at www.lemleychapel.com
Tina and Tracey: I am so sorry to hear about Frances, she was a very special cousin to me. I had not heard about her passing until last week, when I attended Junior Gibbs funeral. I feel bad that I was not there to show my support for you and your families. I will always have fond memories of Frances, she was a very special lady. The last time we saw each other, she stood in her window and we blew each other a kiss. That is how I will remember her.
I am the daughter of Ralph and Jo Ann Bell. My parents have spoken so kindly of Frances and Matt. Dad really liked Matt. We left Hamilton in 1970 and moved to Franklin, North Carolina. We did move but we have never forgotten our family and friends that we left in Skagit Valley.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially Tina and Tracey. From Aunt Betty’s niece in Gaffney, SC We are so glad that Aunt Betty visited last year with her sister for 2 weeks there. She so wanted to be there and maybe can come and see you later.
Debbie and Steve Reynolds
To Tina ,Tracy and Family your in our thoughts and prayers love Tim & Kay Price.