Oma F. (McElhaney) Parker was born January 25, 1926 in Claremore, Oklahoma. She lived in Oklahoma until age 15 when her mother, Bonnie, father, Vol Wilson, and two brothers, Vol Gene “Bud” and Perry moved to California. The family moved around a lot before finally settling in Turlock in 1941. Oma attended Turlock High School for a time, and later worked for the Puccinelli and Hume canneries.

Oma met and married the love of her life, Cleo E. Parker, in 1946 after he returned from overseas at the end of World War II. Oma and Cleo were married for 66 years, until his death separated them in 2012. Oma lived most of her life in Turlock. She is survived by her three children, Bruce, who currently resides in Washington, and Jerry (Carol) and Jeannette, who all live in Turlock. Oma is also survived by her six grandchildren ElizaBeth Phillips (Chris), of Sacramento, Bill Parker (Natalie) of Oakland, Lindsay Kaepernick (Kyle) of Waterford, Shelby Stidham (Matt) of Turlock, Ben (Stacie) and Greg (Kelly) Merta of Iowa, six great grandchildren, who she cherished, and a seventh great granddaughter due any day!

Oma lived a full life and was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Turlock; she was a devout Christian.

After Cleo’s passing, Oma moved to Paramount Court, in Turlock, where she passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, surrounded by her family.

Oma was loved by everyone who knew her and she leaves behind a long list of friends and extended family. She always had a kind word for anyone she met and she will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 10, at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., in Turlock, with interment in Turlock Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356

www.turlockmemorialpark.com