PARKER, Rosemary 1938-2025

PARKER, GILBERT, ESSEX, REID, ANDERSON

Posted By: Marilyn Norris Holmes
Date: 6/23/2025 at 13:13:24

Iles Funeral Home
Des Moines, Iowa

ROSEMARY PARKER

Rosemary Parker passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 24, 2025. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 4:30-7:00 p.m. at Iles Westover Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, at St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church. Rosemary will be laid to rest at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

On November 4, 1938, another radical liberal was born into this world. Rosemary Parker was born in Poweshiek County and graduated from New Sharon High School in 1957. She moved to Des Moines soon after graduation and lived at the Women's Y, where she met several lifelong friends.

One of these friends introduced her to her husband, Richard Parker, who was also the father of their three children, Jim, Dave, and Amy. In 1975, Rosemary went to work at Norwest Bank as a bank teller. She eventually retired as a loan officer from Wells Fargo 25 years later.

Rosemary loved retirement and had many hobbies to keep her busy. These included Iowa State Cyclones games, playing darts, bowling, gathering with family, and playing games with friends. She was fiercely independent until the end. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, and her son, Jim. She will be remembered with love by Dave (Amy) Parker of Urbandale, and Amy (Rick) Reid of Ankeny; daughter-in-law Cherish Anderson; grandchildren Sam, Emma, Ned, Kayla, and Drew Parker; great-grandchildren Grace, Nora, Owen, and Holly; and many beloved family members.

It's 5 o'clock somewhere, so if you are able, please enjoy a beer, margarita, or a shot of tequila in memory of Rosemary.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Rosemary Parker, please visit our Thrift Store.

Transcriber Note: Rosemary Parker's parents were George Sherman Gilbert and Frances Josephine Essex. Rosemary's brothers are Max L. Gilbert and George Francis Gilbert. (Rosemary is my 1st Cousin 1x removed.)