Mary Mae Parker Obituary

Mary Mae  Parker
Mary Mae Parker

August 31, 1934 - January 30, 2025
Born in Des Moines, Iowa
Resided in West Des Moines, Iowa
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Obituary

Mary Mae Parker, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025. She was born on August 31, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Russell and Inez (Earp) Moorehead. She was a devoted and loving matriarch whose life was marked by kindness, generosity, and a deep love for her family and community.

Mary Mae graduated from North High School in 1952 and attended Drake University, where she studied music and was a proud member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority. Music played a significant role throughout her life - she was an accomplished violinist and had a particular fondness for classical music, which she enjoyed loudly and with great passion.

She, alongside her husband Bob, played an important role in the Des Moines business community as the owners of Parker Party Ice and Parker Oil Company for many decades. She was also active in several social organizations where she developed deep lifelong friendships.

Mary Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Robert H. Parker; her parents, Russell and Inez Moorehead; and her infant son. She is survived by her daughters, Bobette (Jody) Galloway and Courtney (Bill) Pierce; her grandchildren, Logan Galloway (Mike Kromminga), Piper (Mat) Wolff, Elli Reel, and Blake Reel; and her four great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Mary Mae's life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at Iles Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., (one hour prior to the service). Interment will be at Resthaven Cemetery Mausoleum, West Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Furry Friends Rescue 3505 Mills Civic Pkwy., West Des Moines, IA 50265 or the Iowa Chapter - Alzheimer’s Association, 1415 - 28th Street, Suite 430, West Des Moines, IA 50266.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesFuneralHomes.com.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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Guestbook

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Services

Visitation
Iles Westover Chapel
6337 Hickman Road
Des Moines, IA US 50322
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Service
Iles Westover Chapel
6337 Hickman Road
Des Moines, IA US 50322
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
11:00 AM
Burial
Resthaven Mausoleum
19th & Ashworth Road
West Des Moines, IA US 50265
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
12:30 PM

Charities

Furry Friends Refuge
3505 Mills Civic Pkwy
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association
1415 28th St #430
West Des Moines, Iowa USA 50266
In Iowa, more than 62,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s. Nearly 100,000 caregivers dedicate 125 million hours of unpaid care. From Des Moines to Cedar Rapids to the Quad Cities and every town in between, your local Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is here to help. Whether it’s offering support to anyone facing Alzheimer’s, advocating for the needs and rights of those facing dementia, or advancing critical research, we work toward methods of treatment, prevention, and ultimately, a cure.