Our loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend Myrtle Elizabeth Petersen Parker returned to her Heavenly home on Friday, May 21, 2021 surrounded by her family. Myrtle was the seventh child of Andrew and Susie Brewer Petersen born September 22, 1924 in Pinedale, Arizona. She attended grade school in Pinedale’s two room school house. After graduating from Snowflake Union High School in 1942 she moved to California to attend secretarial school. She returned home after learning of her father’s death. Soon after she met and married her eternal companion Clyde Parker in 1944. Together they had four boys and two girls. They lived for a time in Minnesota and Nevada but always returned home to Arizona. Clyde passed away in 1984 and Myrtle remained a widow for 23 years. But as love would have it, in 2007 she married her good friend France Willis. Together they enjoyed five wonderful years. France passed away in 2012. After spending five years in Snowflake Mom chose to return again to Mesa. She spent her last years making friends, crafting and bringing joy to all who came across her path.
Myrtle was a devout lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. She served the Lord diligently in many callings. Some of her favorite callings were Relief Society President, working with the youth in MIA, Chorister and later in life, as the Adult Singles Family Home Evening Coordinator. She served selflessly wherever she was needed. She went out of her way to make sure everyone around her knew they were loved. She was a friend to all and often said “I’ve never met a stranger”. She befriended everyone. In this respect she was a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Her life was a reflection of Him and what He taught.
Mom was a creative person. She loved baking and she made delicious pies and decorated cookies. She will always be remembered for the beautiful birthday and wedding cakes that she made for her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. She even won grand prize ribbons at the Arizona State Fair for a wedding cake and an ornate gingerbread house.
Myrtle worked many years as a secretary, bookkeeper, dispatcher and office manager. She then joined her husband, Clyde, driving cross country as a long-haul truck driver. Mom and dad always got a kick out of being called ‘Bonnie and Clyde’, their CB radio handle . She proudly proclaimed she had been in every state in the continental United States.
But most of all mom’s the greatest joy was her family. She loved being a mother, grandmother and aunt. She was passionate about genealogy and family reunions. Myrtle’s legacy will continue through her children, James (Sally) Parker, Curtis (Marcia) Parker, Raymond Parker, Andrea (Gregory) Willis, Lauri (Brian) Astel, 23 grandchildren and 43 greatgrandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Velma Jarman and daughter-in-law Kerry Parker. Myrtle was preceded in death by her husband Clyde Parker, her son Craig Parker and daughters-in-law Lisa Parker and Bettye Parker.
A visitation will be held Thursday May 27th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa Arizona. Funeral services will be held Friday May 28th at 10:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, 422 E. University Drive, Mesa Arizona. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral at 9:00am in the same building. Interment will be at the Pinedale Arizona Cemetery Saturday, May 29th at 10:30am
Please view the zoom link for the program and obituary:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88368291487?pwd=RXBrcmxpdElKR0J2K2xoeVVnTEdXQT09
Meeting ID: 883 6829 1487
Passcode: 613918
I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet mother. She was such an elite lady. She was beautiful in every way. She was so talented, kind, loving and caring. I always loved talking with your mother. She had done so many interesting things in her life. Your mother always made me feel important and special. I am sure she is having a joyous reunion with your father and other members of your family. May you know of my love for your mom and your wonderful family. ❤️💕. Leilene
Such wonderful memories I have of Aunt Myrtle and Gramma (Laura Petersen Wolk). Both of them in Grammas kitchen, making pies (with the flakey crust I can never duplicate), making candy, making jams and jellies. Often making quilts, and always having something to talk about, or argue about, because they were both such strong minded women. Wishing all who love her, peace, and wonderful memories of the time they enjoyed with her.
Even before Myrtle married my dad she was my second mother. I’m eternally grateful for her close friendship with my mom. I’ll always treasure the relationship I had with her.