Arvilla Parker

OBITUARY: Mrs. Arvilla U. Parker

Mrs. Arvilla Ubertine Parker, 103, Topeka, died peacefully late Mon., Nov. 26, 2007, at her home. She was born Oct. 14, 1904, on the family farm near Hope, in Dickinson Co., the daughter of Charles Henry and Emma (Miermeister) Schmidt.

Arvilla had lived at Wamego before moving to Topeka in 1953. She was graduated from Abilene High School in 1923 and attended Kansas State College at Manhattan. She was a member of the Kansas Avenue United Methodist Church, Chapter FI of the P.E.O. Sisterhood; Helena Chapter Past Matrons Club; Past District Aides Association of District 14; Nobelles Club of Arab Shrine Temple; The Social Order of the Beauceant, Topeka Assembly # 24; Beauceant Past Presidents Club; and Unity Rebekah Lodge # 232 of Wamego. She was a former member of the Wayside Garden Club and the North Topeka Kiwanis Dames. Arvilla was a Past State Treasurer of the Rebekah Assembly of Kansas, being elected in 1946 and serving through 1956. Arvilla was a Housemother for Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity at Kansas State University from 1950 through 1953. She was a member and Past Matron of Wamego Chapter #76, Order of the Eastern Star and an affliliate member of Helena Chapter # 210, Order of the Eastern Star of Topeka, since 1954. Arvilla and her husband, Gene, owned and operated Parker Mortuary at 900 NW Jackson, Topeka, until August, 1969.

Arvilla was married to Chester H. Smith on March 20, 1926 and they were divorced in 1945. Chet died Nov. 29, 1986. She was married to Eugene Shellabarger "Gene" Parker on June 30, 1953, at Wamego. Gene preceded her in death on Oct. 7, 1989. She was also preceded in death by her mother on June 12, 1948, and her father on Feb. 23, 1960; two brothers: Clarence Schmidt on June 26, 1934, and Harvey W.Schmidt on May 10, 1985; a nephew, Robert Schmidt; and two nieces: Catherine Ann Wagner and Joyce Sellers.

Surviving are a niece: Suzanne Braden of Houston, TX; four nephews: Jack L. Schmidt of Overland Park, Charles H. Schmidt of Amarillo, TX, Rufus V. Schmidt of Houston, TX, and Richard A. Parker of Oklahoma City, OK; and her caregivers: Loretta and Jeff Hurst of Topeka.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM, Sat., Dec. 1, 2007, at Penwell-Gabel PARKER-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence, Topeka followed by Eastern Star Services conducted by Helena Chapter # 210, O.E.S.. Interment in Rochester Cemetery. Arvilla will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Friday,at the funeral chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parker Scholarship Fund c/o Grand Chapter of Kansas, Order of the Eastern Star, 3400 SW Van Buren, Topeka, KS 66611.