Mary Louise Parkes

Mary Louise Parkes entered her eternal home on Friday, October 26, 2018 after a long illness. She is preceded in death by her husband, Harry L. Parkes, her daughter, Frances Marie, her grandson, Chad Jerome Cook, her parents, T. Francis and Lila O’Rourke, her sisters, Norma Hay and Carol Baynes, and her brother, Patrick O’Rourke. She is survived by her sons, Steve, David and Paul Parkes, her daughters, Ginger Cook, Cindy Garcia and Jennifer Van Roie, her daughters-in-law, Sandy and Michelle Parkes, and sons-in-law, Dennis Garcia and Fred Van Roie. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Paige Parkes, Therese Cook-Anderson, Robert, Ryan, and Stephen Arguelles, Francie Arguelles-Vigil, Keith and Kristopher Parkes, Justin, Andrew, Gregory, Gabriel, Stephanie, and Peter Van Roie, Tyler Parkes, and her great grandchildren, Jaricah and Kieran Gonzales, Brendon, Breanne, and Brylen Cook, Mikayla Arguelles and Troy Vigil, Indiana Arguelles, Olivia, Sean, and Audrey Parkes, and William Van Roie. She is survived by her sisters, Betty Johnson, Rosalie Hawley, and Judy Wolfram.

Mary was born in Ellis, Kansas in 1933 and moved to Albuquerque when she was 12. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and went to the University of Albuquerque. She met her husband, Harry Parkes at a dance on Kirtland Air Force Base in 1951 when he was in the Navy and stationed in Albuquerque during the Korean War. He was born and raised in Pulaski, Tennessee. They literally swept each other off their feet as they were both excellent dancers and loved to dance. Harry went home to Pulaski, broke off his engagement and came back to Albuquerque and married the love of his life, Mary Louise, in 1953.

Mary and Harry ultimately went into business for themselves and opened Harry’s Marine Supply, which became one of the largest boat and camper dealerships in the southwest. This business allowed their family to grow up surrounded by water, boating and water skiing and spending lots of time at Elephant Butte Lake. Eventually, they sold the business in Albuquerque and secured the main marina at The Butte, Elephant Butte Resort Marina, and relocated there in 1974.

Mary and Harry’s family have many amazing memories of growing up with these two incredible parents. The great relationship they had together and their love of God, each other, family, and friends, combined with hard work and integrity, is awe inspiring.

Mary lost her love nearly 30 years ago. This forever changed her life. She moved back to Albuquerque. She spent lots of time with her children and grandchildren visiting out of town quite often. She fought the good fight battling dementia these past 6 years. She is now with Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Harry - the love of her life, her daughter and grandson, parents, family and loved ones. God, grant her sweet soul peace and joy. We love you, Mom, and thanks for everything!