She was born December 30, 1954 in Carlsbad, New Mexico a daughter to the late Harley and Alice Stark.
Kathleen attended Carlsbad High School and graduated in the class of 1972. After graduation she attended New Mexico State University where she received her BA in Teaching & Education and went on to obtain a Master’s of Arts in Education later in her career.
Kathleen began her career as a teacher at Loving Municipal Schools and later taught at Eunice Public Schools as a kindergarten and first grade teacher. She retired in 2005 from Carlsbad Municipal Schools after 25 years in education.
Kathleen married Mike Parker on June 17, 1981 in Kermit, TX and had two children Brian and Heather.
“Katie” as she was known by her friends and family was an avid puzzler, enjoyed quilting, spending quality time with her family and the companionship of her beloved Pomeranians Pepper and Taz. Upon an early retirement, she and her husband traveled to Romania and took trips in their RV, traveling the Lewis and Clark expedition trail.
Katie’s greatest joy during her lifetime, and where she drew her most strength, was being “Nee Nee” to her grandchildren Melissa, Aiden, Emma and Ardyn.
Kathleen is survived by her husband, Mike Parker of San Angelo, TX; brother Brian Stark of Carlsbad, NM; sister Maureen Belden of Benbrook, TX; son Brian Parker of San Angelo, TX; daughter Heather Peters of Denver, CO and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Harley and Alice Stark, Brothers-in-Law David Parker and James Belden and her faithful companion Pepper.
Per Kathleen’s final wishes, services will not be held. A private celebration of life by her children and grandchildren will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank Hospice of San Angelo for their care during her final days.
In lieu of flowers the family asks to make donations to the charity you feel would best honor her memory. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com
