Verdene "Dee" Parker

Verdene “Dee” Parker, age 90, formerly of Gering, Nebraska, passed away Monday, September 14, 2026, at Goshen Healthcare Community in Torrington, Wyoming. Service arrangements are pending and will be announced when available. Dee and her late husband, Ralph, will be interred together in Gregory, South Dakota, at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting Dee’s obituary page, viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Dee was born on December 22, 1935, in Dallas, South Dakota, to James and Martha (Emme) Edwards. She graduated from Dallas High School in 1953.

She married Ralph Patrick Parker on September 27, 1954, in Dallas, South Dakota. Together they welcomed five daughters and one son, Deb, Doretta, Donna, Denise, Deena, and Doug.

Besides raising her own six children, Dee babysat many children throughout the years who became just like family. Her caring nature and experience with children made her a perfect fit for her career as a daycare provider. She also later worked at Project Success and Grace Chapel.

Survivors include her daughters, Deb (Tim) Vapenik, Doretta (Greg) Burrows, Donna (Dale) Radford, Denise (Pat) Wallesen, and Deena (Brian) Mattox; son, Doug (Laurie) Parker; grandchildren, Josh (Kena) Vapenik, Jon (Jessica) Vapenik, Ben (Hannah) Vapenik, Sheena, Shae, Stuart, and Reo Radford, Reggie Wallesen, Hannah (Nick) Enriquez, Leah, Dylan and Devin Mattox, Brock, Emme and Allison Parker; seven great-grandchildren with one on the way; two sisters-in-law; and four brothers-in-law.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Ralph, in 2024; five brothers; and five sisters.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Goshen Healthcare Community staff for the loving care and kindness shown to their beloved mom.