Pauline Helen Parke, of Colyer, passed away suddenly on December 27, 2018 at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney. Pauline was born in Seguin, Kansas to Felix and Helen Reitcheck on June 25, 1938. She was a graduate of Sheridan Community High School, in Hoxie, Kansas. Pauline married Curtis Parke on February 26, 1957.
Pauline was a strong and stoic person, a hard worker to the end of her life, but had a loving heart and gentle spirit. She was first and foremost a nurturer to her five children and their spouses, her fifteen grandchildren, and most recently for her husband during his long treatment and recovery from cancer. She was always thinking of others, even at the expense of her own needs. She rarely asked for anything for herself. Her greatest pride and joy were her fifteen grandchildren. She was always so proud of their accomplishments in school, in their careers, and in their lives.
Pauline loved to sew and cook, and she perfected these skills throughout her entire life. She made most of her own clothing and the clothing of her children with exceptional precision. She later used her sewing skills to make many beautiful crafts, including countless rugs and quilts for family and friends. Because of her tender care and attention to detail, she was known in her family as the ‘fixer’ of all things ripped, torn, and broken, clothing and otherwise. Pauline was also an accomplished cook and baker, often making her famous cinnamon rolls and peanut butter pie for family gatherings. But her work was not limited to the home. She played a very active role on the farm, driving the truck during harvest, feeding cattle, and helping to manage the operation.
Pauline was a devout and faithful Catholic and lifelong member of Christ the King Catholic Church in WaKeeney. She cherished her faith and held true to her beliefs her entire life. Her passing leaves a large void in the hearts of many people. We will do our best to fill that void by following her example by caring for those closest to us and doing good in this world.
Pauline leaves to mourn her passing her husband of 61 years, Curtis, of the home; five children and fifteen grandchildren, daughter Mary (Carlos) and her children Sean (Megan), Colin, and Nevan Madrid of Phoenix, AZ; daughter Susan (Martin) and her children Emilio, Ryan, and Geena Fajardo of Lenexa, KS; son Eugene (Tracey) and his children Liam and Madelyn of Noblesville, IN; daughter Lori (Brian) and her children Jon, Jacob, and Jessica Belleau of Berryton, KS; daughter Cindy (Bill), and her children Jordan (Kaitlinn), Caitlin, Branson, and Nicholas Billinger of Shawnee, KS; five siblings, Margaret Ritter, Delores Koerperich, Anna Rose Givens, Betty Jacob, and Gary Reitcheck; and sister-in-law Mary Reitcheck.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 31, 2018, at Christ the King Catholic Church, WaKeeney. Burial will be in the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, WaKeeney.
Visitation and viewing will be Sunday evening, from 5 to 7 at the funeral home in WaKeeney. A parish vigil service will follow at 7:00 p.m., also at the funeral home.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, memorial contributions are suggested to American Red Cross, Salvation Army, or Christ the King Catholic Church. Donations made to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.