Karen Louise Parker nee Dietiker

November 8, 1954 - September 4, 2021

Karen Louise Parker of St. Clair, MO departed this life in Washington, MO on September 4, 2021, having reached the age of sixty-six years, nine months and twenty-seven days. Karen was born on November 8, 1954, daughter of Donald Edward Dietiker, Sr., known to all as Ed, and Audrey Joyce Dietiker nee Blank. On April 12, 1975 she was united in marriage to Olon Keith Parker, Sr., known to all as Keith, and five children came to bless this union. In June of 2017 she began sharing her life with her companion, Gordon Reed. Karen is survived by her children, Gerald Neal, Jr. and significant other, Misty Killam, of St. Clair, MO, Brian Neal and wife, Julie, of St. Clair, Olon Keith Parker, Jr., known to all as Keith, and wife, Michelle, of St. Clair, Nick Parker and wife, Sheila, of Pacific, MO and Brittany Tanner and husband, David, IV, of Union, MO; by her parents, Ed Sr. and Audrey Dietiker, of O’Fallon, MO; by her companion, Gordon Reed, of St. Clair; by one brother, Bill Dietiker of Newburg, MO; by her sisters, Debbie Gaugh and husband, Rich, of Wentzville, MO and Tina Tigner of St. Clair; by her brother-in-law, Kim Parker of St. Clair; by five great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Keith Parker, Sr.; and by three brothers, Eddie Dietiker, Jr., James Dietiker and Steven Dietiker. Karen was a Christian and had recently attending The Ridge church in Villa Ridge, MO, where she served on the Hospitality Committee. She was very active in the church, volunteering for church dinners, serving lunches and snacks, decorating and vacation bible school. Karen loved to travel, go sight seeing and go shopping. She also loved arts and crafts. Her family meant everything in the world to her. She made caring for her home and family her job in life and never tired of it. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will live on in their hearts forever. A kind and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, companion, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great and great-great-aunt, cousin and treasured friend, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO with Rev. Roger Johnson officiating. Interment was in Crestview Memorial Park in St. Clair. Memorials may be made to the family.