Ruth J. Parker

Ruth J. Parker, 80, of Palestine, died at 3:15 a.m. EST on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN. She was born March 8, 1933 in Rolla, MO, the daughter of Austin Cook, Sr. & Lillian Bailey. She worked at Victor Dana from 1967 until she retired in 2008, having made several friends over the 40 years she worked there. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She married Norris Gene Parker in 1981, and he preceded her in death on November 22, 1996. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, William Benton; her parents; as well as her son, Roger Benton.She is survived by her children, Robert Benton (West York, IL), James Benton (Palestine, IL), Mary Benton (Palestine, IL), Tina & Jeff Blair (Robinson, IL), Allen Benton (Palestine, IL); her brother, Austin, Jr. & Betty Cook (Robinson, IL); her sister, Barbara Henson (St. James, MO); as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.There will be a visitation held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 1st at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. A graveside service will be held in the Palestine Cemetery following visitation. Memorials may be made to the Ruth Parker Memorial Fund, with envelopes available at the funeral home.