Susan Yvonne Parker

Our much-loved Susan Yvonne Parker peacefully passed away on Monday, October 25, 2021, in Great Falls, MT surrounded by friends and family. Susan was born on February 15, 1948, in Great Falls, to C.L. “Skip” and Beverly Pennington. She attended Largent Elementary School and East Junior High in Great Falls. Susan completed her sophomore and junior years at Great Falls High and as a senior was among the first graduating class of 1966 from C.M. Russell High. Susan moved to Everett, Washington in the early seventies where she met Mike Parker who would become her husband. They were married on December 27,1974, and would have celebrated their 47th anniversary this year. Susan worked in the banking industry while in Everett and later worked at Pennington’s, Inc. her family’s business in Great Falls. As a member of Junior League, Susan counseled young unwed mothers and attended a number of their deliveries.She also worked with Sesame Street puppets in the city’s elementary schools delivering important lessons to students. She was a member of the Advisory Board of the then Columbus Hospital and was active in raising money for the Gift of Life, Patient Family Housing project. Susan was an avid crafter, and in the eighties had her own business “Susie’s Sweats” where she hand decorated hundreds of sweatshirts. In later years, she made hand crafted greeting cards and jewelry and true to her generous nature, never accepted payment instead deriving joy from giving them as gifts.Her designs always reflected her love of glitz and sparkle in all aspects of her life. She took up rollerblading in her fifties and would routinely skate six or seven miles. She always hoped she could skate again someday. Susan is survived by her husband, Mike Parker; son, Scott (Rebecca) Parker and their four sons, Grayson, Freeman, Junuh and Adlun; several sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews from both sides of the family. Susan was preceded in death by her son, Dustin, in 1999. He was 22. She was also predeceased by her parents, C.L “Skip” and Beverly Pennington; her grandparents; and her sister, Loyann Rembe. Despite over 20 major surgeries, Susan always managed to bounce back. She seldom complained and maintained a positive attitude, always saying “If you don’t use it you lose it.” She exemplified courage and grace in death as she had in life. Mike would like to thank her many friends who gave so generously of their time to sit and visit with Susan when he had to be away from the home. The family suggests memorial contributions to The Great Falls Clinic Legacy Foundation (3004 15th Avenue South, Great Falls, MT 59405), Peace Hospice (1200 25th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405), or to the charity of your choice. A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, November 4, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel.