Obituary of Sally Lynn Parker
Sally Lynn Oelke was born in Trenton, Michigan on September 5, 1955. She was one of three children, and the daughter of Kenneth Demar Oelke and Shirley Mae (Niemann) Oelke of Scofield, Michigan. She was baptized and confirmed at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church and School where she was also educated through the eighth grade. She went on to attend Monroe High School where she was a graduate with the Class of 1973.
Sally caught the eye of a young man, William Clay Parker. They began dating and were soon joined in marriage to the love of her life on August 1, 1975, at Grace Lutheran Church in Monroe. William served his country honorably as a member of the United States Marine Corps and she tagged along living in New Jersey and California while he was enlisted. The couple was blessed with four children, and Sally cared for the needs of her family as a homemaker.
They worshiped at Holy Ghost, and she served in several capacities including being a member of the Ladies Aide. She loved to study the Word with regular Bible Study. Sally stayed very active with employment as a Pharmacy Tech at Perry Drugs (Rite Aide) for seven years and as a biller for the Monroe Home Care Shop for several additional years. Her most rewarding work, was teaching and interacting with her grandchildren, especially through “Gramma school.”
Sally had a playful spirit and a heart of gold. She was a wonderful host, enjoying the company of others and always willing to play games and cards, such as euchre or teaching grandchildren to play rummy. She was known for her softball size meatballs, and special baking like chocolate chip cookies and candy bar stuffed donuts. She always went all out for her family, since they were her whole world, making elaborate spreads for grandchildren, sleepovers, and birthdays, constantly attempting to accommodate any special requests along the way. She could be counted on to start a water balloon fight in the hotel pool or a squirt gun fight in the backyard. Her favorite time of year was by far that of Christmas.
Sally was a member of Exeter Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and enjoyed crafts.
Sally Lynn Parker, age 68 of Maybee passed away unexpectedly at 12:20pm on Sunday; November 5, 2023, at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital. Her passing was preceded by her parents; a brother-in-law: Robert E. Nolan; a granddaughter: Kaylin Wells; and a great granddaughter: Lilah Romero.
To cherish her memory she leaves her beloved husband of forty-eight years: William Clay Parker of Maybee; four children: Michael (Heather) Parker of Monroe, Shawna (David) Schmitt of Monroe, Kendra (Clifford) Wells of Port Austin, Michigan, and Lauren (Nick) Hoffman of Maybee; one sister: Karen Nolan of Maybee; one brother: Kenneth C. (Sharon) Oelke of Maybee; nine grandchildren: Kaden, Victoria, and Clara Parker, Caitlyn, Keegan, and Kenzie Schmitt, Logan, Peyton, and Dylan Hoffman; and Luke Romero of Texas; and her beloved canine companion: Stanley Jack Parker the Lab mix.
Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Friday; November 10, 2023, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. She will lie in state from 1:00pm until 2:00pm on Saturday; November 11, 2023, at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church; 3589 Heiss Road, Monroe, Michigan 48162. A Funeral Service Celebrating Her Life will take place at the church at 2:00pm with Pastor Lee Cullen officiating. Burial will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery.
Memorials for those who desire are suggested to Holy Ghost Lutheran Church. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.