PARKER, LEONA RUTH (MCKINLEY) - The death of Leona Ruth (McKinley) Parker, wife of the late Earl Parker of Tabusintac Nursing Home and formerly of Derby, NB, occurred on Thursday, November 6, 2014 at her residence at the age of 96. Born in McKinleyville, NB, she was the daughter of the late James and Addie (Somers) McKinley. Leona was a devoted mother and grandmother and worked as a caregiver/sitter at the old Miramichi Hospital. Leona is survived by: one son: Cyril (Lois) of Miramichi, NB; one daughter: Nancy Houlston (Robert) of Miramichi, NB; one son in law: Reg Theriault of Kitchener, ON; two daughter in laws: Moria of Saint John, NB and Hazel of Brandon, MB; four sisters: Ruby Arseneau (the late Bobby) of Millerton, NB; Daisy Allison (the late Harvey) of Moncton, NB; Verna Donovan (the late Percy) of Miramichi, NB; Audrey Shaddick (the late Buddy) of South Esk, NB; one brother: Jack (Diane) of South Esk, NB; one brother in law: Richard “Junior” Barry of Millerton, NB; two special friends: Winnie Kelly of Derby, NB and Kathleen “Katie” Bryenton of Tabusintac, NB; 14 grandchildren: Valerie, Heather, Lisa, Chris, Beverlee-Ann, Carol, Curtis, Zachary, Katie, Garry, Dwaine, Kirk, Kara and Kyle; great-grandchildren: Justin, Kristin, Bradley, Laken, Ashlee, Kryrisa, Shae-lynne, Makenna, Lila, Randy, Jeff, Curt, Kailee, Bree and Alexander; great-great-grandchildren: Maria, Bentley Michael John; many nieces, nephews and cousins and her special family: all the staff at the Tabusintac Nursing Home that took such great care of her. Besides her parents and husband, Leona is predeceased by: two daughters: June Whitney (John) & Linda Theriault; four sons: Bev, Billy, Paul & David; two grandsons: Johnny Whitney & Troy Theriault; one great grandson: Michael; two sisters: Carrie Peddle (Earle) & Norma Barry; brother: James (Arlene); sister in law: Elaine (Bryenton).
The family will receive visitors at Bell’s Funeral Home on Saturday from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 PM. The funeral service will be held from the Sterling Bell Memorial Chapel on Sunday, November 9, 2014 at 2 PM with Rev. Gerald Blacquiere officiating. Burial will follow in the Derby United Cemetery, Millerton. In Leona’s memory, donations may be made to the SPCA. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Bell’s Funeral Home, 651 King George Highway, Miramichi, NB. Telephone: 506-622-3600