WOODS CROSS <! > - In the early morning hours with the December 8, 2001 sky crisp and clear, the stars and the waning crested moon greeted Mary as she left the home of her granddaughter, Cindy to explore a new, peaceful and loving heavenly world. Undoubtedly, she was greeted with great excitement by loved ones who crossed before her.
Mary was born at home in Woods Cross, UT Jan. 6, 1907 to Minnie Mahala Atkinson and Henry Moss. She married her childhood sweetheart, Lawrence Henry Parkin Oct 20, 1927. They settled in Woods Cross and together with their sons, Lawrence and Don Parkin, they built the Parkin Boat and Wood Working Co. Her husband crossed over Dec 31, 1969. At the time of his death, he was Justice of the Peace for Woods Cross City. Mary took over his judgeship with an iron hand. She was a prim, proper, feisty, and lovely lady. Mary never wore pants. She was always properly dressed in a skirt, blouse, and hose. The secret to her long life was a nightly shot of Vodka and water. After her husband's death, she lived on her own until she reached the age of 92. She was full of life and often told loving stories of her life in the town. How her father took them on sleigh rides on crisp winter evenings to catch a glimpse of the heavenly moon and stars. She learned to drive at the age of 11, the car, a Ford Model T. She and her husband were members of the New State Gun Duck Club for many years. She enjoyed fishing, shooting, and entertaining at their club cabin. At home, she was a wonderful cook. Created many beautiful handwork items by knitting, crochet, needle work and tatting.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; brother, James Henry Moss; sisters, Mahala Moss Smedley, Afton Rebecca Moss; husband; son, Don Moss Parkin; and recently her grandson, Steve Parkin; daughter-in-law, Joyce Parkin; and great-grandson, Breck Don Jones. Her son, Lawrence Moss Parkin, her granddaughter, Cindy Stanley, grandson, Greg H. Parkin, daughter-in-law, Donna Rae Parkin, survive her. Mary also leaves nieces and nephews, especially her devoted namesake Mary Smedley Kephart, a dear niece and a nephew, Dan H. Smedley. She was the proud grandmother of three; great-grandmother of six and the great great-grandmother of one.
The family wishes to thank all the loving hands that have cared for Mary during her elder years. A graveside service will be held at Bountiful City Cemetery 2 p.m. Dear friends and family are welcome to say their farewells one hour prior to the service at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 N Main Street, Bountiful, UT. Online guest book and direction map at www.russonmortuary.com