PARKER, Ruth Elizabeth

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Published Saturday, July 2, 2011 - Ruth Elizabeth (Merwin) Parker passed away June 24, 2011, suffering with dementia and several health problems. She was born Feb. 9, 1926, in Manistique, Mich. She was the daughter of Ralph H. Merwin and Helen D. (Lucas) Merwin. Ruth graduated from Manistique High School, class of 1944. On Oct. 10, 1946, she married Milo William (Bill} Parker, in Manistique, Mich. Ruth and family moved to California in 1953. In 1957, Ruth won “Queen For a Day.” Ruth owned beauty salons in California. She and her husband moved to Oregon and worked for Tektronix. They returned to Michigan, and moved to Henderson, Nev. In 2000, Ruth moved to Lake Havasu City. Over her lifetime, Ruth enjoyed reading, watching favorite soap operas, painting pictures, knitting several things, making cross stitch pictures; all beautiful works of love given to family and friends. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ralph Merwin; sister, Charlotte (Merwin) Bosanic; her son, Donald Wm. Parker; and former husband, Milo Wm. Parker. She is survived by daughters, Jeanne Somerville and Mary Mc Arthur, both of Lake Havasu City; five grandchildren; l0 great-grandchildren; sister, Lillian (Mazie) Shore, of Bradenton, Fla.; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Ruth was a “special” woman who will be missed dearly by all. Ruth’s family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the staff of Lake Hills Inn; Laurie Buggia and staff of Serenity Assisted Living; and the staff of New Hope Hospice all of Lake Havasu City, for their dedicated, kind and loving care of Ruth. A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date to be held at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory, Lake Havasu City. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.