Hortense "Hortie" Parker
d. January 1, 2004
Hortense E. "Hortie" Parker, 100, a resident of Bettendorf, Iowa died Saturday, May 15, 2004 at Georgian Square in Bettendorf. In accordance with her Hortie’s wishes, her body was donated to the University of Iowa School of Medicine.
Hortie was born February 23, 1904 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Justus Wilhelm & Regina Ebeling. After two previous marriages, she married Charles T. “Ted” Parker, a retired John Deere executive. The 14 years she had with Ted were the happiest of her life. He preceded her in death in 1985.
She was a member of the Rock Island Arsenal Club for 28 years, was a member of the Outing Club of Davenport, the Putnam Museum and the Quad-City Symphony. She was also a lifetime member of the Chicago Art Institute and the Chicago Historical Society.
She worked as a realtor in the Chicago area for 22 years, loved playing backgammon, enjoyed playing bridge and was honored to become Bridge Life Master #992 in 1955.
She also enjoyed classical music and traveling all over the world. Her travels included Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, New Zealand, the Orient, Canada, Mexico and the U.S.A.
Hortie was loved very much by her family & friends and in her final years and days was lovingly cared for by her special friend and caregiver, Carol Wilmington of Davenport, Iowa and Genesis Hospice. Her memory will always be cherished in the hearts of those who loved her.
Those left to honor her memory include her sons, Richard E. Schaaf of Napa, California and Charles E. Schaaf of Glenview, Illinois; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
There will be no memorial service as she had both a living memorial with friends & family and a Flag Celebration at Arrowhead Ranch to celebrate her 100th birthday on February 23, 2004.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Arrowhead Ranch, 12200 104th St., Coal Valley, Illinois 61240 or to the Genesis Hospice House, Hospice Care of VNA, 1351 W. Central Park, Suite 2600, Davenport, Iowa 52804.
McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Bettendorf is assisting the family with arrangements.