Thomasina (Tomi) Vernice (Thomas) Parker, 87. died Monday, March 19, 2012. Tomi was born in Valentine, Nebraska on August 12, 1924 to Vernon Thomas, Sr. and Ida (Mizner) Thomas.

Tomi married John Parker on October 7, 1942. To this union was born four sons, Ronald, Kenneth, Dallas and Randall. Tomi and Johnny had a very successful career in the ranching business with the help of (or in spite of) their sons.

Tomi was a very talented author of several publications including a popular column in the South Dakota Farmer magazine called "Country Wise", and other magazines. She wrote monthly articles called "Tepee Talk" for the United Methodist Church in Valentine, and wrote a chapter in the book "Leaning into the Wind" called "Corn Cob Cuisine". Tomi was also a Certified Lay Speaker for the United Methodist Church and traveled to small communities to lead their services. She was very dedicated to her ministries with the Valentine jail, and was also president of the United Methodist Women's organization.

Tomi was also a member of many other organizations including the Todd County Extension Service. She received numerous awards for her volunteer services but was most proud of receiving the Modern Woodmen of America recognition in 2005.

Tomi had unlimited energy and enthusiasm for life and for her family. She loved music and was very proud of her musician sons, especially Dallas, who she volunteered to play at all musical events and he was always happy to do so. The Thomas family is very close and has a large family reunion every other year and the tradition will carry on.

Tomi was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 62 years, Johnny Parker. She is survived by her four sons Ron (Kathy) of Tucson, AZ; Ken (Jan) of Bowen Island, BC, Canada; Dallas of Tucson, AZ; and Randy (Lynn) of St. Cloud, MN.; and five Grandchildren, Jon (Allison) of San Jose, CA; Jeff (Jenn) of Seattle, WA; Ryan Nagamine of Tucson, AZ; Kayleen (Jordan) of Columbus, OH; and Keith of St. Cloud, MN.; and three Great Grandchildren, Natalie Thomasina and Benjamin of San Jose, CA, and Tyler of Seattle, WA.; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Vern and Erma Thomas of Greeley, CO; Clair and Mary Thomas of San Jose, CA; Darlene Thomas, Mary Shipley and Margie Parker of Valentine, NE; and Melvina Parker of Lincoln, NE; and many loving Nieces and Nephews.

Tomi cherished her family and all the friends she made over the years. Tomi loved the Lord and lived her life for Him and never hesitated to profess her faith to her family and friends.



Funeral service for Thomasina Parker age 87 of Valentine will be held on Monday, March 26 at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church in Valentine. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine. Visitation will be at 1:00 PM on Sunday at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine. Mrs. Parker passed away on Monday at the Ainsworth Care Center in Ainsworth.

Survivors
Sons-Ron of Tucson, AZ
Ken of Bowen Island, B.C. Canada
Dallas of Tucson, AZ
Randy of St. Cloud, MN
Brothers-Clair Thomas of San Jose, CA
Vern Thomas of Greely, CO