Minnie C. Parent

10/25/1924 — 9/4/2016

• Service Date: 9/17/2016
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Minnie Christine Parent, 91, our loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016, at her home in Lewiston.

Minnie was born Oct. 25, 1924, near Williston, N.D., to Ernest and Olive Anderson, and was the fourth of 14 children. Her early life during the Great Depression years was happy and full of rich memories that she loved to share with her family. She graduated high school in 1942 and immediately was employed for a short time in an attorney's office as a typist. Deciding that was not her calling, she attended a machine shop school in Mandan, N.D., where she became a machinist. Soon after that she attended welding school in Vancouver, Wash., and then worked in the shipyards of Seattle on an aircraft carrier, fulfilling her role in World War II as a true-life "Rosie the riveter."

Mom later returned to Williston and worked at Andy's Bakery, where she met Cleomene "Buck" Parent. They were married Sept. 6, 1947. Their children, Michael and Patricia, were born in Williston and the family was complete.

In August 1964, the family moved to Lewiston to begin a new journey in life. After 40 years of a wonderful marriage, Minnie's one true love passed away in 1988. Mom remained in the family home tending to every detail. It was not uncommon to see her on the rooftop cleaning out gutters or mowing her lawn if she wasn't busy helping with the grandkids or family and neighborhood pets, until recently when her children clipped her wings.

"Mimi," as she was known to family and friends, was full of life and fun. Her home was the meeting place for Scrabble, trivia, whist, pinochle and poker. She always had a pot of quarters to cover everyone for "31." Grandma's house was where the action was and the candy jar was always full. She couldn't wait for the paper to arrive early every morning to do the crossword puzzle and the word jumble. Mom started and ended every day thanking God for her many blessings and praying for family and friends. She loved to read her Bible and had a vast array of books and religious literature scattered throughout her house.

Minnie grew up in the Salvation Army and played in the string band. These early years formed her virtuous character and it was a last wish that her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren "keep the faith and carry on what she has planted in each of us." She was our mighty oak tree and we her little acorns. God was the head of her household, but Mom was the heart of our home and family.

Minnie is survived by her daughter, Patti Parent Smith (Jim); son Mike Parent; grandchildren Josh Smith (Denise), Whitney Smith Konkright (Kelly), Zoel, Oliver and Elsa Parent; and great-grandchildren Juliana and Dawson Konkright, Matthew Smith, Baily Adams and Tanner Adams. Also surviving are sisters Tillie Akre and Sharon Braaten; brother Dennis Anderson, all of North Dakota; and many nieces and nephews who were dear to Mom's heart.

Mom would like to extend her thanks and gratitude to Dr. Michael Baldeck and staff; Dr. Mark Eggleston and staff; St. Joseph Family Hospice; the Rev. Brent Carlson and wife Laurie; and to her special friends Lynne and Rob Minervini (Amy, Stefani and children), who were her guardian angels here on Earth for many years.

Memorials can be made to Living Heritage Church or Minnie's favorite charity, the Lewis-Clark Animal Shelter. A celebration of Minnie's life will be held at 3 p.m. next Saturday at Living Heritage Church, 2534 Appleside Blvd., Clarkston. Bring a favorite memory to share and wear a smile.

Service Information

Date & Time

Saturday, September 17, 3:00 PM

Location

Living Heritage Church
2534 Appleside Blvd.
Clarkston, Washington 99403

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