Bernice Irene Parks

1927 - 2016

Bernice Irene Parks
1927 - 2016
Bernice Irene Parks, formerly of Yellow Pine and Emmett, Idaho, went to her final resting place to join her savior the morning of January 31, 2016. Bernice was born in Greeley, Nebraska on September 17, 1927. She was the 7th of 10 children born to Leo and Lillian Zahm. The family moved to New Plymouth, Idaho in 1937 where the family farmed. Bernice graduated from New Plymouth High School in 1945. She married Howard Eugene Parks on July 25, 1945. They farmed on the Emmett bench where they raised their family of 7 children. Bernice was a hard worker who taught that same ethic to all her children, whether in the beet fields of Emmett, the dairy barn, or in her large garden in the back yard.
In August of 1973, Gene, Bernice, and Joe moved to Yellow Pine, Idaho where they purchased the Yellow Pine Merc and post office. They built the Snow Inn and welcomed many family, friends, and strangers into their home for great meals and a warm bed. In March of 1983, Bernice lost Gene and Joe to a tragic accident, but she continued to operate the post office and store until her retirement in 1998.
Bernice was also known for her ability to knit and quilt. She won many awards with her quilts and all of her children and grandchildren are recipients of those treasures. A testament of Bernice's love can be found in her grandchildren, who absolutely adored Grandma Bernice. Many of her nieces and nephews called her my favorite, "Aunt Bernice." She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.
Bernice was preceded in death by all but 2 of her siblings; her husband, Gene; and son, Joe. She is survived by her brother, Mike Zahm and sister, Betty Callahan; 2 brothers-in-law, Levar (Deloris) Parks of Boise and Leroy Parks of Emmett; 3 sons, Gene (Diania) Parks of Emmett, Richard Parks of Boise, Bill (RJ) Parks of Eagle; 3 daughters, Sharon (Dick) Terry of Eagle, Vickie (Les) Hull of McMinnville, OR and Kathy Parks of Boise; 14 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at the Potter Funeral Chapel in Emmett, Idaho on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 2 p.m.
The family would like to thank Les Bois quality care and Heart 'n Home Hospice for their help and compassion during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Opal Foundation (Heart 'n Home Hospice Care) at 1107 N.W. 11th Street, Fruitland, Idaho 83619.