Ruth Marie Parks was born October 25, 1925 in Van Buren, Arkansas one of four children born to Jewel (Wishon) and Leonard Smith. She married Eugene Parks April 5, 1941 in Van Buren and the family moved to Wasco in 1952, where they raised their five children. As the grandchildren started to arrive, Ruth became the babysitter, helping to raise her grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook, chicken and dumplings was the family favorite. The grandchildren would always request hamburgers when they came to visit. She made the best homemade biscuits and chocolate gravy. Ruth was a faithful member of Westside Family Fellowship until her health failed. Ruth is survived by her children, Jim Parks and wife Cindy of Wasco, Edwin Parks of Bakersfield, Doris Oswood of Marysville; brothers, Bill Smith and wife Nolley of Merced and Leon Smith of Rogers, Arkansas; 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 2 great great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Eugene; daughters, Gloria Hamlin and Linda Ledbetter; and sister, Cecil. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 18, 2012 at 10am at Peters Funeral Home for Ruth Marie Parks, age 86, who passed away May 15, 2012 in Bakersfield. Pastor Danny Scott will officiate and interment will follow at Wasco Memorial Park. Please join the family for a reception following the graveside. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 17 from 2pm to 8pm at Peters Funeral Home.