Kathryn Marie (Rude) Parker
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Kathryn Marie (Rude) Parker, 72, of Columbia, MO passed away December 29, 2021.
Celebration of life will be held from 3-6pm, Monday, August 22, 2022, at Blue Ridge Christian Church, 2400 Blue Ridge Rd., Columbia, MO 65202.
Kathryn Marie (Rude) Parker was born on August 24, 1949, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Kathryn grew up living first in Oklahoma, then Missouri, California and Maryland. Kathryn attended elementary and high school in Severna Park, Maryland. Kathryn received her bachelor’s degree in sacred literature from Ozark Christian College in Joplin Missouri. She attended the University of Missouri taking elementary education courses. Kathryn met her future husband, Gary Parker, while working as a hospital unit secretary during her time in Columbia Missouri. Kathryn returned to Joplin, MO with her acceptance into the associate nursing program at Missouri Southern. After graduating from nursing school, Kathryn and Gary married in Joplin, July 1975. Kathryn and Gary moved to Denver CO where Kathy worked in intensive care unit. Kathryn continued to use her nursing license upon their move to Ellington, Farmington and Columbia. Kathryn retired after a 20-year nursing career in the behavioral health system for the State of Missouri in 2016. Kathryn was a believer in Jesus Christ. She was baptized in 1961 and remained a believer until her time of passing into eternal life. Kathryn and Gary worked with Missouri Operation for Vigorous Evangelism (M.O.V.E), helping to start an Independent Christian Church in Farmington, MO. Kathryn’s passion was always to be used as an instrument in the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ, by giving of her time teaching skills, talents, and finances. She was committed to Bible Fellowship Study in Columbia and continued to use her talents s in teaching the pre-K children Jesus Christ. Both Gary and Kathryn attended the Christian Campus House ministered by Roy Weiss and later Blue Ridge Christian Church. Kathryn was passionate about education and affiliated herself in the fight for freedom in education through the Missouri Eagle Forum. Kathryn enjoyed reading, music, sewing, crocheting, traveling, camping and loved most of all being with her beloved family. She is truly missed by her family and dear friends.
Kathryn is preceded in death by her husband, Gary Joe Parker; father, William A. Rude; mother, Jean Marie (Ledbetter) Rude; grandmother, Viva Ethel (Patton) Rude; grandfather, Alva Oscar Rude; grandmother, Marie Kathryn (Fecho) Ledbetter; grandfather, William Ellis Ledbetter.
Kathryn is survived by her children, Drury (Greg) Moyers, Joseph Parker, granddaughter Ann Moyers, sisters, Renee Saunders, Laramie (Robert) Daniel, Jannette (Steve) Levie, brothers, Bill (Angela) Rude, Jonathan (Joanna) Rude, adopted daughter and grandchildren, Mary Keingatti, Jude, David, and Brianna. She is also survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
My cousin Kathy is a wonderful child of God. She was raised in a home of love and faith, and along with her husband Gary they raised a family in a home of love and faith. Outside the home, she served God as she always encouraged others to walk on the pathway of faith. She now lives in the eternal joy of a good and faithful servant.
Kathy, We are grateful to have known Gary and you through all of these years and cherish the times we spent together. Your work as a nurse reflects the caring soul that you have. Gary was lucky to have you as his guiding light through life and we know you will be in heaven together. Drury and Joe are blessed to have you as their mom, we will remember you always.
Bob & Alice Deskins
I will always remember Kathy and her dedication to the Lord! Will see you in Heaven, Kathy!