Ruth graduated in 1952 with a secretarial science degree from Delta State University, where she was named “Most Intellectual.” It was while attending Delta State that she met Sam Parker of Pittsboro, Mississippi, who was going to college on the G.I. Bill after returning home from his service in World War II’s Pacific Theater. The two married in June of 1952. After living six years in Houston, Mississippi, and six years in Pittsboro, Mississippi, they moved to Starkville in 1964. Ruth worked for the Starkville Public School District as an administrative secretary for the Title I program, retiring in 1994.
Artistically gifted, Ruth was a masterful seamstress and sewed countless outfits for herself and her daughters throughout the years. She was an avid reader and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and cryptoquips. Completely blind the last six years of her life, she continued to read by listening voraciously to audio books.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Emil Barkemeyer and Arlin Mullins Barkemeyer, her husband, Samuel Harris Parker, and her siblings, Emily Barkemeyer Welch and Dorothy Barkemeyer Sage.
She is survived by her children, Tommy Parker, Lynn Parker, Laurie Parker, and Nancy Parker, all of Starkville.
A private graveside service was held at Greenwood Cemetery in West Point on November 30 with the Reverend Clifton Curtis officiating. Arrangements were handled by Welch Funeral Home.
Donations may be made in memory of Ruth Barkemeyer Parker to the Mississippi Library Commission Talking Book Services, 3881 Eastwood Drive, Jackson, MS 39211-6473.
