Gladys C. Parker

Gladys Carolyn Parker went to be with her loving Savior February 25, 2022 surrounded by family. Gladys was born in McMinnville on December 26, 1941 to Ira and Leah Evers of Sheridan. She was the second youngest of 11 children. Two siblings died in infancy, and Gladys was so excited to meet them in heaven.

Gladys was married to Wayne Stevens Parker on November 24, 1960, and during their time with the United States Air Force, they were stationed in Roswell, New Mexico. That is where their two sons, Randall Parker of Graham, Washington, and Russell Parker of Salem, were born.

After their military service Wayne and Gladys moved to Salem, where they opened an automotive repair shop, Wayne Parker’s Auto Electric, which they operated for many years. During those years she also worked in home décor, drove race cars and road dirt bikes. Gladys was also passionate about animals, having been raised on a farm and having them for playmates. Her various cats and dogs provided her great joy throughout her lifetime. Gladys loved the Oregon Coast, thrift stores and making people feel special with thoughtful gifts and kind, handwritten notes.

Once grandchildren began to arrive, Gladys found perhaps her greatest joy. She was profoundly loved by all of them, grandsons, Tyson Parker and Jonathan Parker, granddaughters, Kia Grine and Roseanne Yoder, and now great grandchildren, Alaia, Monroe, Elliott, Emett and Livie.

There will be viewing Wednesday, March 2 from 12-4 pm at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service at 605 Commercial St. SE, in Salem. A private graveside service will be held Thursday, where she will be laid to rest at the Miller Cemetery in Silverton.