Ruth Parkinson Obituary

Durango resident Ruth Eloise Parkinson died in her sleep Friday, April 5, 2013, in her home. She was 88.

Mrs. Parkinson was born Oct. 28, 1924, near Milan, Mo., to Herbert and Edna Knight. She grew up on a farm outside Milan with her with seven older siblings.

She received her teaching degree from Truman State University, which was called Northeast Missouri State University when she attended. Mrs. Parkinson taught in Farmington before attending Fort Lewis College from 1941 to 1944.

She met her future husband Philip Parkinson II while attending FLC, and they married Jan. 22, 1948, in Kansas City, Mo. In 1950, the couple moved back to Durango, where Philip practiced dentistry until his death in 1979.

Mrs. Parkinson was an active member of the Durango community and was a member of the St. Columba Catholic Church, the Philanthropic Educational Organization and a charter member of the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary. She volunteered with Mercy Regional Medical Hospital for 55 years.

Mrs. Parkinson was an avid card player and never got her driver's license because she could either walk around Durango or her friends would take her places, her son Philip Parkinson III said.

"She had a great support network. They were always playing cards or doing volunteer work with churches," he said.

Mrs. Parkinson was preceded in death by her husband, Philip Parkinson II, a baby boy and her seven siblings.

She is survived by her sons Philip Parkinson III of Rio Rancho, N.M., and Paul Parkinson of Macon, Mo.; daughter Jean Jones of Fairplay; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Columba Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2013. A reception will follow in the church's community center.

In lieu of lowers, contributions may be made to the Mercy Health Foundation, 1010 Three Springs Boulevard, Durango, CO 81301.