Jean Alice Parks

Jean A. Parks, 83, of Gothenburg, formerly of Lexington, Nebraska, died Thursday, October 29, 2009, at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg. She was born June 14, 1926, at Ogallala, Nebraska to Byon and Una Mae (Crawford) Stedman. Jean was raised in Ogallala, Nebraska where she attended Grade School and High School. Following High School she married James Parks on April 10, 1946 in Lexington. To this union five children were born; Jereld, Kevin, Dianna, Richard & Debra. The couple made their home in Lexington for the next 35 years. The couple then moved to Grand Island. While living in Grand Island James passed away and Jean moved to Gothenburg to be closer to her daughter Dianna. She has lived in Gothenburg the past 10 years. Jean worked at various places while living in Lexington. She was employed by the Husky Truck Stop, Maloley’s Grocery Store, Parkway Café and at the Clipper-Herald Newspaper. She was also an Avon lady for many years. She loved her crafts. She crocheted afghans and was very talented at making her own quilts. She also enjoyed watching birds and while living in Lexington she was on a bowling team, but most importantly she loved spending time with her family. Jean was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Lexington and also a member at Grand Island and Gothenburg Methodist Churches. Survivors include her two sons: Jereld Michael (Chery) Parks of Fleming, Colorado Kevin Craig (Donna) Parks of Omaha, Nebraska Two daughters: Dianna Lynn (Gary) Land of Brady, Nebraska Debra Kay (Robert) Lee of Norfolk, Nebraska One brother: Robert (Sheila) Stedman of Riverside, California Three sisters: Mary Ann Crawford of Alliance, Nebraska Donna (Ray) Nelson of Ogallala, Nebraska Gayle Stark of Cozad, Nebraska Six grandchildren: Mike, Travis, Joel, Kim, Marvin and Justin Eight great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren Numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, son Richard, husband James and two brothers, Gordon and Jack. Funeral Services will be held Monday, November 2, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Reverend Todd Karges officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington. Visitation will be Sunday, November 1, 2009 from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Gothenburg Senior Center or Donor’s Choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com