HELEN LESLIE PARKER,
93, of Little Rock, died February 11, 2022, in her home at Parkway Village. Born to Harry and Mabel (Schwab) Leslie in Kokomo, Ind., she grew up in Logansport, Ind. She attended Purdue University, where she met and married Max D. Parker. After college, they settled their family in central Arkansas, where Max was a forestry manager for International Paper Company. Together they raised two sons, Joseph (Joe) and John (Jack) Parker and daughter, Cynthia. Helen completed a BSE at Henderson State College, and later an MSE. She taught high school Mathematics in Arkadelphia, Fountain Lake, and Malvern, retiring after 20 years in education. Helen and Max encouraged their children in outdoor pursuits and enjoyment of nature. This led to much exploration of nearby woods, ponds, creeks, and fields. Pets always included a cat or two. However, these explorations often led to an accumulation of other small family members, bugs, butterflies, spiders, frogs, lizards, snakes, or mice perhaps. One small anole lizard lived on the drapes in our living room. Helen tolerated these various extra residents, as long as they remained in their enclosures! These activities, as well as weekend camping trips to Albert Pike on the Little Missouri River, and one lengthy trip across several western states fostered a continued interest in nature that was passed on to grandchildren as well.
Helen was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, beginning in Arkadelphia with Chapter BG. Helen and Max enjoyed a lifelong interest in birding. This led to study, travel, research and photography. Over many years, they were able to study and photograph around 800 bird species in 49 states. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 59 years Max, brothers, James and John Leslie, son, John W. Parker, and son-in-law, Dennis W. Wells. Helen is survived by son, Joseph L. (Terri) Parker of Fort Smith, daughter, Cynthia J. Wells of Rock Island, Illinois, daughter-in-law, Leslie M. Parker of Brooksville, Fla., sister, Marcia Leslie of Ft Myers, Fla., honorary sister, Shirley Bohnert of Ft. Myers, Fla., bonus daughter, Susan Williams (Robert Stern) of Boise, Idaho. Grandchildren: Dr. Jason Parker (Tricia), Kendra Cutsinger (Neil), Patrick Wells (Daniela Gregory), Stephen Wells (Brittney), Jessica Nugent (Dr. Dylan), Melissa Armes (Josiah); and 14 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to the Arkansas Audubon Society Trust, Vera Lloyd Children’s Home, the Arkansas Food Bank or the charity of one’s choice. Masking is requested for those in attendance. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at 2 p.m., in the chapel at Ruebel Funeral Home. The service will be live streamed on the Ruebel Funeral Home Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RFHome. Masking is requested for those in attendance. Arrangements are under the direction of, RuebelFuneralHome.com