Cynthia Pauline "Polly" Parker

On July 8, 2022, Cynthia Pauline “Polly” Parker, our loving mother and grandmother, passed away at the age of 96. She was born March 31, 1926, to Mary Viola Nearhoof and Harry Reese in Twin Falls, Idaho. She was the oldest of five children. Polly enjoyed many joyful years growing up on the farm and often told stories about hijinks with her sister, Phyllis, feeding the farmhands breakfast, and other happy childhood memories. She enjoyed traveling with her sister and they had many wonderful adventures together.

Education was important to Polly, and we were quite surprised to find a few C’s on her report cards. Polly started her career of teaching early in life, attending Albion State Normal School to earn her teaching certificate. She began her career in 1946 teaching in Fairview, Buhl, Lucerne, Deep Creek, and Castleford. During this time she continued her own education by taking additional classes in order to become the best teacher she thought she could be. After 45 years influencing many hundreds of students, she retired in 1991.

Polly married Darrell Wayne Parker in June of 1946. They enjoyed 57 years together before Darrell passed away in 2004. They welcomed three children, their spouses, eight grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

Polly was a wonderful cook. She would use a variety of cookbooks and liked to experiment with different recipes. Her family looked forward to her delicious peanut clusters and other homemade candies. She prepared the best Thanksgiving meals. Polly would make her famous Parker House rolls, set a beautiful table and serve a variety of foods, but no turkey. She loved the Christmas season and the opportunity to celebrate the life of Christ and to visit with family. Polly loved decorating her home and she was always impeccably dressed with matching jewelry for every outfit. She had an affinity for flowers and loved to work in her garden.

When Polly turned 50, she made a goal to try something new, so she purchased a classical guitar and took lessons. She loved serving in her church and ward and especially loved being a Sunday School teacher and Ministering Sister. Many phone calls, meals and cards were delivered to the sisters she served. She also loved to serve in the temple and would go often. Polly was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her children, Linda Parker; Neil (Teresa) Parker; and Ranse (Gayle) Parker; her sister, Phyllis Beaumont; brother, Roland Reese; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Darrell Wayne Parker; granddaughter, Alethea Parker; parents, Harry and Mary Viola Reese; and brothers, Ira Christy Reese and Harry DuWayne Reese.

We will celebrate Polly’s life on Friday, July 15, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing starting at 10:00 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Deep Creek Ward, 1001 Fair Street, Buhl. Live streaming of the service will be available on Farmer Funeral Chapel’s Facebook Page.  Grave dedication will conclude at West End Cemetery, Buhl.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Polly’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.