Gwendolyn Jenkins Parke Wilson

Gwendolyn Jenkins Parke Wilson, 98 passed away peacefully July 30, 2014. She was a daughter of Henry Evan Jenkins Sr. and Emma Bird Williams, and was born on October 28, 1915 in Parker, Idaho. She grew up in Parker and was schooled there through eighth grade. She then went to high school in St. Anthony, graduating from St. Anthony High School in 1933. Gwen met her first love there. She and Charles Harris Parke were married on August 30, 1933. They continued to live in and around St. Anthony and were the parents of four children, two boys and two girls (all redheads like Gwen). Harris was killed in a terrible car accident on May 15, 1943, leaving Gwen to provide for their children. Gwen moved to Pocatello where she worked and attended Link's Business School. Both sets of grandparents, Bill & Emily Hill and Henry & Emma Jenkins, helped out by caring for the children.

Her secretarial skills helped her find work. She worked at the Army Air Base and the Naval Ordinance Plant. When the war was over she went to work at the Pocatello Flour Mill and eventually at the Union Pacific Railroad, where she worked for 30 years. As a secretary, she really enjoyed taking shorthand. She was a charter member of the Teepee Chapter of the National Secretaries Association. She also belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary where she was a member up until the day she died. (Some 68 years.)

Gwen married Leslie C. Wilson on July 18, 1946. They had a good life together; had many friends, traveled to various places—Hawaii, Mexico, Canada and throughout the US. After retiring, they wintered in Lake Havasu City. Both doted on and enjoyed their children and grandchildren.

Gwen was always doing something with crafts. Most of the children, grandchildren and some great grandchildren received handmade quilts, shawls, afghans and sweaters. Friends were also given tokens of her love and appreciation.

She is survived by her four children: Lynn Harris Parke (Madge), Linda Jean Bringhurst (Gary), Marla Simmons (Larry-deceased) and William Evan Parke (Barbi); 24 grandchildren, 76 great grandchildren and 22 great-great grandchildren and counting.

As the last of her generation, Gwen was pre-deceased by her 2 brothers and 3 sisters, her 5 half-brothers, 2 half-sisters and both husbands. She was also preceded in death by 2 grandsons, 3 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and a son-in-law.

The family would like to express their love and thanks to Courtney, David and Shauni of Encompass Hospice, who cared so lovingly for Gwen during the past 20 months. Also to the staff of Highland Hills who made her stay there for the last 16 months as comfortable as possible. They are an awesome crew!

Funeral services will be held at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Rd., Chubbuck, ID at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, August 6, 2014, with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Mountain View Cemetery, section 44 East.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made in Gwen's name to The Idaho Youth Ranch. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.wilksfuneralhome.com.