|
|
Parker attended Jeffriesburg School in Beaufort and graduated from Union High School in 1954. She then attended Southeast Missouri State, Cape Girardeau.
She was the first in her family to attend college. While Parker left for college, her high school sweetheart, Marland, went into the Air Force.
When Marland got out of the Air Force, both he and Ruth attended school. She graduated in 1959.
Ruth taught for two years at Fox School before the couple were wed. She then worked for one year at a school in St. Louis while Marland worked at McDonnell Douglas.
The couple lived in Kansas City and Iowa before returning to Union in 1965. They have two children and three grand-children. Marland, who died in 2003, had served as a Franklin County sheriff's deputy.
Parker taught the fourth grade, first at Central Elementary and then at Clark-Vitt Elementary.
"I couldn't have had a better job," she said. "Every year was different. The kids are different and you actually had to teach different because you teach to the children."
Parker taught for a total of 32 years, 26 years in Union. She said she often sees students she taught.
"I run into them frequently," she said. "They are often surprised I know who they are -Êit's their voice that gives them away."
Parker added that during her tenure as a teacher, a lot changed.
"I think back on the first and last years and there were big, big changes," she said. "But the constant thing is the children. You treat them with respect and they treat you with respect."
Today, Parker is involved with the Franklin County Retired Teachers Association and the Missouri Retired Teachers Association. In the local group she serves on the scholarship committee and she writes a newsletter that is submitted to The Missourian.
"I think it is a worthwhile organization. They do a lot of wonderful things," she said.
Parker also is involved in the American Legion Post 297 Auxiliary, where she has served as second vice president and chaplain. She has been active in Poppy Day and Christmas Angel Tree programs.
Parker is a member of the Union City Slickers and is a past president. She volunteers at the Union Food Pantry and is a life member of the Zion United Church of Christ, Union. At the church, she is active with the women's fellowship and has held several offices. She also is in charge of many of the church's quilting activities.
Parker is an usher, greeter, reader and on the kitchen committee at Zion Church.
"I volunteer for whatever needs to be done," she said.
Travel
Parker said she loves to travel. She has been to nearly every state and Europe twice, among other destinations. Parker said one of the most interesting trips was through the Panama Canal.
"That was very interesting and I really enjoyed that," she said.
Another memorable trip, Parker said, was a recent trip to Lake Vermillion, Minn., where the only operating U.S. Postal Service mail boat is operating. She rode on the boat for about three hours covering 90 miles.
"It was so neat, I enjoyed it immensely," Parker said. She added that whenever she takes a trip she purchases small souvenirs including a Christmas ornament and another memento.
Hobbies
Parker has a long list of hobbies including reading, sewing, quilting, crocheting and painting.
"I read anything and everything," she said. "I read every day and four to five books a week."
Parker said during much of her life she made her own clothes. Today she just sews out of enjoyment.
"Some people say it makes them nervous but it is relaxing for me," she said.
Parker also is an avid walker and walks every day.
"The doctor says whatever I do, don't give up walking," said Parker. "I am fortunate to be very healthy."
Parker also is fortunate to be very creative and skilled with a paintbrush.
Her canvasses have included shotgun handles, saw blades, birdhouses and rocks. She most often paints glass bottles and ornaments.
In particular, Parker paints snowmen to make decorative wintertime bottles and Christmas ornaments.
"It's just my thing," she said. "I painted a few snowmen and people wanted them."
"I enjoy painting," she said. "Last year I know I painted over 12 dozen."
Parker added that she took an oil painting class over 25 years ago and has been painting ever since. She added that now she paints with acrylic enamel.
"I have always been interested in art," she said.
