Frances Marie (Silzell) Parker

January 17, 1944 - January 14, 2023

Kennewick, Washington

Frances Marie (Silzell) Parker passed away in her home January 14, 2023. Her beloved husband was by her side, along with her children, grandchildren, and close family.

Frances was born in Grand Junction, Colorado, the fifth of five children. Growing up, she had a special connection with her grandmother, Elsie Smith, whom she lived with for much of her childhood. When Frances was 16, she and Elsie moved to Yakima, Washington. It was in Yakima that Frances met her forever-love, Charles (Chuck) Parker. After graduating in 1962, they married at the Hitching Post in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho on September 24, 1963.

Frances' greatest joy was raising her five children, and she was very involved in their many activities and school projects. She served as a Girl Scout leader, Sunday School teacher, and classroom mother at her children's elementary schools. When decorating cakes for her children's birthday parties, Frances discovered she had a talent as a cake decorator. Over the years her skills grew, and she steadily became a sought-after professional cake decorator delighting customers, friends, and family with her artistic celebratory cakes.

After 16 years of raising children, Frances decided it was time to begin working outside of the home. She brushed up on her clerical skills and started a new career as a records management clerk at the Washington Public Power Supply System (WPPSS) in 1979. Frances' confidence grew with this new experience, and she formed many life-long friendships.

When Frances' grandchildren started to arrive, she immersed herself in their activities. In 2006, she retired from Energy Northwest (formerly WPPSS) and devoted the rest of her life to her family, beloved pets (Kitty-kitty and Frank), gardening, watching the birds, and planting her flowers.

A special thanks to the Virginia Mason Hospital doctors, nurses and staff who treated Frances' cancer following her diagnosis in 2010. After completing her treatments in 2011, her oncologist recommended she participate in an exercise program designed to help patients regain their strength following the rigors of difficult medical treatments. It was during this exercise program that she met a group of women whom she felt an immediate connection. This group started to meet for weekly walks and referred to themselves as the "Tuesday Girls." Frances cherished the friendships she developed with these special ladies and found them to be a tremendous source of support and inspiration.

Additional thanks to the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Health Care for the loving care and support during the last week of Frances' life. This hospice health care program allowed her to remain in the comfort of her home surrounded by the family and pets that she adored.

Frances will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those lives she touched. Her treasured family traditions will live on through her children and future generations. Goodbye for now dear wife, mother, grandmother and friend. We look forward to the day when we reunite and embrace in heaven, never to part again.

Frances was preceded in death by her grandparents Elsie and Harold Smith, father Mendell Silzell, mother Betty Rupp, sister Janice Silzell Leach, and brothers Jim Silzell, and Bob and Bill Ternahan.

Frances is survived by her loving husband Chuck Parker; children Todd Parker (Sylvia), Laura Peres (Mark), Linda Deal (Jeff), Craig Parker (Rachell) and John Parker (Leslie); grandchildren Jeff, Brendon, Russ, Renee, Shelby, Scott, Kaylyn, Taylor, Breann, Bailee, Charlie and Macie; and great grandchildren Brody, Chase, Emmi, Larry, Gunner, Kasen, Brynlee, Miles and Makena.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Health Care and/or Pet over Population and Prevention.

A service is scheduled for January 27, 2023, at 10:00 am at Mueller's Chapel of the Falls, 314 W 1st Ave Kennewick WA. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the same location. Graveside services will be at 2:00 pm the same day at the Milton-Freewater 100F Cemetery.