Dorothy P. Barger

Pocatello-Dorothy Toler Parkinson Barger, 92, a longtime resident of Pocatello passed away Friday, Oct. 29, 2010.

Dorothy was born on September 1, 1918, in a four-room log house in Robin, Idaho. The daughter of Lemuel M. and Goldie (Armstrong) Toler. She was the oldest of six children.

In the 1st thru 8th grade, Dorothy attended school in a four-room school house in Robin. She graduated from Arimo High School and attended Idaho state University.

Dorothy married Ralph E. Parkinson, September 1, 1938. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. They shared almost 35 years together before Ralph's passing on May 26, 1973.

Dorothy worked for several years at Idaho State University, Student Union Building. She received a letter of commendation for the excellent service she provided to others while she was working there.

On March 2, 1980, she married Jack (Jesse) D. Barger. They enjoyed each others company for 28 years. Jack passed away November 11, 2008.

Dorothy was a life long member of the LDS Church. She was church organist during her younger years. She had a great love for music and dancing. Dorothy could cut-a-rug well into her 80"s.

Dorothy was a beautiful self taught seamstress. She could sew anything and she did for her family and many friends. She was an excellent cook and homemaker. Dorothy took a lot of pride in her cooking and decorating skills. She always made you feel extra special with her delicious homemade meals and desserts.

Dorothy was a wonderful mother, she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She was a strength and inspiration to us all, with a great sense-of-humor. She taught us all how to live life through adversity and trails with true grace and dignity. She was a lady in every sense of the word.

Survivors include two daughters, Judy Parkinson, (Jerry) Butler, Moses Lake, Washington; Joan Parkinson (Marty) Mothershead, Boise, Idaho; Step-children, Duane D. (Denise) Barger, Hermiston, Oregon; Michael (Susan) Barger, Pocatello; Alayne (Ernest) Chavez, Farmington, Utah; Janet (Stace) Duval, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Twenty four grandchildren, twenty five great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. One brother, Maurice (Helen) Toler, Robin, Idaho; two sisters, Vera (Wayne) Hall of McCammon, Idaho; Beverly (Dean) Ware, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Lemuel and Goldie Toler; a son, Stanley James Parkinson; two sisters, Lois Toler and Helen (Jim) Gunter.

Dorothy had made many wonderful friends while at Quail Ridge. A lot of kindness and love had been shown to her by numerous people. Thanks to the staff of Creekside Hospice and Creekside Home Health for the loving care they have all shown toward Dorothy. Much thanks to Susan (Green) Barger and to Dorothy's primary care giver Lee Johnson for their love.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cedar 1st Ward Chapel (550 W. Cedar) with President John B. Coray officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday morning from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Restlawn Memorial Gardens.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave.