Lennice Parker

Lennice Parker went home to be with the Lord on March 14, 2023.  She passed away peacefully at Five Counties Nursing Home in Lemmon, SD.

Lennice was born in Park City, Utah on June 12, 1935 to Kyle and Leona (Hickman) Gladstone.  After living in several different places because of Kyle’s occupation in mining and after WW II, the family moved to Lemmon, SD in 1945.  She continued her education and graduated from Lemmon High School in 1953.

Lennice married Merrill Parker Jr. on June 17, 1953. They were blessed with four children, Robert, James, Linda, and Ross.  She was a devoted wife and mother.  

She was an active member of Spencer Memorial Presbyterian Church, serving as Deacon, Sunday school teacher, and in the women’s group.  Lennice participated in 20th Century Women’s Club, a homemakers club, and a member of the Lemmon Library board.  She loved to read. Lennice was also a lifelong member of Eastern Star, Dakota Chapter.   

She supported the Cub Scouts and Job’s Daughters when her children were in those groups.  Lennice always enjoyed going to the sporting events and school activities that her children were in.  She also enjoyed seeing her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Family was so important to her, as were her friends.

Lennice was known by family and friends for her scotcheroos.  There was always scotcheroos waiting for any family members returning home.  Many friends would stop by to enjoy them as well.

Lennice was preceded in death by her husband Merrill, her parents Kyle and Leona, daughter-in-law Lorie, sister-in-law and brother-in-law LaVern and Paul Kakos, and mother-in-law and father-in-law Merrill Sr. and Katherine Parker.

Surviving her are her children, Robert Parker, Green River, WY, James (Linda) Parker, Spearfish, SD, Linda (Mark) Sandgren, Hermosa, SD, and Ross (Karin) Parker, Colorado Springs, CO.  Grandchildren: Nicholas, Daniel, Joshua, Jonathan, Matthew, Nathan, Chrisy, Elizabeth, Jeff, Jessica and Jennifer; and 17 great grandchildren and best friend Dee Wells.

The Funeral Service for Lennice was held at 1:30pm MT Monday, March 20, 2023 at Spencer Memorial Presbyterian Church in Lemmon.   Pastor Charlotte Kvale  officiated with burial in Greenhill Cemetery.

The Funeral Service was livestreamed on the website www.evansonjensenfuneralhome and going to Lennice’s obituary and clicking on “View Funeral Service Here”.

Visitation was on Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00pm at the Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon and on Monday from 12 noon to 1:30 at the church in Lemmon.

Cards can be mailed to Linda Sandgren 24148 Alkan Lane, Hermosa, SD  57744.