Darla Marie Parker, 83, passed away peacefully in her home in Miles City, MT on May 20th, 2020.
Darla was born on April 15th, 1937 in Conchas Dam, New Mexico, and she moved to Los Angeles with her mother Helen at an early age, where her beloved stepfather, Irving Bergk, came into their life. Shortly after high school, Darla met Bob Parker in Northern California while Darla was on a weekend getaway with a friend. Bob and Darla were engaged soon thereafter, and married in a small church in Pleasant Plains, Arkansas on July 6th, 1959, while on the way to Bob’s Air Force assignment at Kessler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi. Darla and Bob began raising sons Rick and Robert while in Biloxi. After Bob’s Air Force service was complete in 1962, they moved to Eastern Montana to join Bob’s parents on the family farm west of Terry, MT.
Despite being raised in Los Angeles, Eastern Montana became Darla’s home and the place she spent the best years of her life. Soon the family was completed with sons Russell and Rex, both born in Miles City, MT. Darla enjoyed her life on the farm and her work in Terry and Miles City. She was an avid gardener but was best known for her excellent cooking. The Parker house was often filled with the smells of fresh bread, pies, and fried chicken. Darla ran the L&M Cafe in Terry for many years – where a riot was likely to ensue if she sold out of cinnamon rolls before the afternoon coffee crowd showed up.
After the L&M, Darla cooked at the Prairie County Community Hospital and later at Eagles Manor in Miles City. Darla took great pride in serving the best food possible to the residents and considered the residents and co-workers to be her family. She touched many lives through her work and serving others.
Darla’s greatest pride, though, was her family, especially her four boys and later, her grandchildren. She spent countless hours at baseball, basketball, and football games in Terry and throughout Montana.
After devoting much of her life to her family, her customers, and the residents she served, she was able to enjoy time traveling with Bob. The hobbies she enjoyed included knitting, crocheting, and crossword puzzles. And most of all, she enjoyed getting together with friends. She still enjoyed cooking holiday meals for her family, and if you ever showed up at the house you would promptly be presented with pie, cookies, or a full meal if you timed it right.
Darla is most remembered for her friendly, positive, and loving nature. She was a friend to everyone she met, and a caregiver to anyone who needed it – she is greatly missed and remembered fondly.
Darla was preceded in death by her parents Helen (Maggard ) and Irving Bergk, sons Rick Parker and Robert Parker, and her beloved sister-in-law Judith Gaub.
Darla is survived by her husband Bob Parker; sons Russell Parker of Miles City and Rex (Heather) Parker of Boise, ID; brother Glen McAdoo of Dallas, Texas; step-siblings Kay Bergk, Ronald Bergk, and Carl Bergk; and grandchildren Jeramy Parker, Travis Parker, Caesar Ibarra, Sarah Parker, and Robert Parker.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Son’s Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will be held at the Prairie County Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. in Terry, MT. Should friends desire memorials can be made to the Miles City Food Bank or the MS Society. Condolences can be made to the family at stevensonandsons.com.
Terri Fandrich says
Oh Bob, I am so very sorry for your loss. Wrapping you in prayers during this sorrow-filled time.
Diane Grutkowski says
Bob, I am so sad to hear about Darla. She was a very wonderful lady, a great cook, and cookie maker. I have fond memories of her at the campsites. You, my friend are in my thoughts and prayers.
Addie Hudak says
My grandma Kay sure loved talking to Darla in the phone everyday. Prayers are with you, Bob.
Sandi Kohones and Jon Wilkerson says
Bob, Jon and I are so very saddened to learn of Darla’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen n Ken Strobel says
Bob, we are so sad to hear this news. Prayers to you and your family!
JIM ELLIOT says
BOB, KAREN AND I WERE SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DARLA” S PASSING….. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND THE FAMILY.
Joe and Jeri Dalbec says
We are so sad and sorry, Bob. Prayers for your family.
Betty Vail says
Bob, I am so sorry to read of Darla’s passing. You’ve been a wonderful caretaker. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
tara mcmackin says
Bob and family, So Sorry for your loss! I Will Sure Miss Our Weekly Visit !
Delores Cameron says
I will remember all our good times at Zero–a few years ago. What a marvelous good cook Darla was. May she now rest in peace. My sympathy to the family.
Dick and Lola Hess says
Bob! So sorry to hear of Darla’s passing! Deepest sympathy to you and all your family!!
Janice Kaul says
Bob & family, so sorry to hear about Darla. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Ron and Irene Walters says
So sorry to hear of Darla’s passing. Our thoughts are with you.
Arlen and Alice Miller says
Bob and Family, Sorry to hear of Darla ‘s passing Our deepest Sympathy to you and all the family.Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Michele Sanders says
To all of the Parker families: I am so sorry to hear about Darla. I remember working with her at the L&M a couple of summers as well as cleaning the house you had in town. She was such fun to work with. My thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Lon and Vicki Reukauf says
Bob and Family, our hearts are saddened to hear about Darla. Such a wonderful lady! May God comfort you all with his peace beyond all understanding.
Tim and Linda Patrick says
Bob, and family, we are so saddened to hear of Darla’s passing. She was such a wonderful lady and we will treasure our memories of her. Dear friend we are here for you. Our prayers are with you and the family.
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Bob and family, our deepest sympathy at your loss. I have a lot of memories of Darla. She was a good neighbor to my parents in Terry, she was always there if they needed anything. She was there for me through a lot of turmoil that I went through. Darla was a very good hearted and caring person. May she rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Elmer and Avid Spidel says
Bob and Family , sorry to hear of Darla, please accept our condolences. You are in our prayers
Rene Clarke says
Dear Bob and family
So sorry to hear of Darla’s passing. I remember the days when you were neighbors up the road at Fallon. She was so upbeat and fun to be around. I also enjoyed seeing her occasionally in Miles City. Always a joy to visit with her.
Prayers to you and her family and may she rest in peace.!
Linda Koehler says
Dear Bob and Family…
I have so many memories of Darla… All our discussions of the ups and downs of life… We spent a lot of time together before you guys moved to Miles City… Words convey so little when hearts feel so much… may special memories help ease your sorrow and comfort you all in the difficult days ahead….
David & Diedree says
Dear Bob and Family
Diedree and I are so sorry to hear of Darla’s passing . WE were so fortunate to neighbor with your family and to have you work on our TV and CB Radio’s. Thoughts and prayers coming your way!
Jean Trask Brown says
DEAR BOB AND FAMILY,SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DARLA, SHE WAS SUCH A NEAT LADY, AND OH COULD SHE COOK!!!!
John & Amanda McArthur says
Bob, we are so very sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! If you need ANYTHING we would be happy to help!
Love,
The McArthur family (John, Amanda & boys)
Lissa Power says
Bob,
So sorry to hear of Darla’s passing. Deepest sympathy to you and your family! I remember the wonderful pineapple pie Darla made at the restaurant in Terry. Bless your heart for the care you provided her. May she Rest In Peace.
Sincerely
Willis, Ardi, Ross and Lissa
Bartholomay
Tanna Peterson Aye says
My sympathy to Darlas family. What a sweet lady. She and my mom Lucy worked at the Manor together. She always made sure to say hello and visit when we ran into each other. May she fly high with the angels.
Gene Pena says
Bob, We are sorry to hear about Darla’s passing. A loss of an old friend. We pray for a swift journey home for Darla. Bob, all our prayers for an old friend and your family. Gene Pena and Family
Kathryn West says
Deepest sympathy to Bob and family from the Hinnalands.
Shelley Schultz Steyh says
So sorry for your loss, she was a wonderful lady and cook.
Ron and Shelley Steyh