Deborah Parker

Deborah Jo Parker of Berryton, KS passed away November 2, 2009, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka, KS with loved ones by her side following a courageous battle with brain cancer. She was born on November 11, 1950, in Hays, KS to Albert and Lenore Ryder.

A 1968 graduate of Macksville High School in Macksville, KS, she attended Hutchinson Community College before moving to New York in 1970. She returned to Kansas with her family in 1978 and lived in the Topeka vicinity until her death. In July 1995, Debbie married Dennis Parker (the love of her life) in Las Vegas, NV.

Her hobbies included fishing, football, travel and caring for her cats and chickens. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family.

Debbie was a federal employee for the past 20+ years, most recently with the Department of Homeland Security in Topeka, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Billy Russell who died at birth.

Survivors include husband, Dennis Parker; son, Steven Saiya and wife, Trudi; daughter, Sheri Saiya; son, Frank Saiya and wife, Abbi, all of Topeka, KS; step-daughter, Michelle Neugent and husband, Ron of Wichita, KS; daughter-in-law, Evelyn Parker of Auburn, KS; 6 grandchildren; sister, Barbara Buechle and husband, Art of Basehor, KS; nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends. Debbie was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, who will be forever missed by all whose lives she touched.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, November 6 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions in Debbie's memory to the National Brain Tumor Society, 124 Watertown Street, Suite 2D, Watertown, MA 02472, www.braintumor.org. or American Cancer Society, 1315 SW Arrowhead Rd. Topeka, KS 66604.