Rita Parks' Obituary
Marieta Ann Parks, 83 of Indianola passed away Friday, January 9, 2026 at Wesley Life – The Village in Indianola.
Rita was born to Vern & Dorothy (Vahle) Speidel on January 31, 1942 in Burlington. She received her education from Burlington Schools and was crowned Homecoming queen of her graduating class of 1959. Rita married John Riggall in Burlington, IA and they had two children, Carrie and Brad. She was later united in marriage to Dr. MG “Gene” Parks, November 9, 1973 in Unionville,MO. Rita loved learning and later enjoyed taking classes at Indian Hills Community College.
Gene and Rita enjoyed their time at Lake Thunderhead, especially when they were on the Lake. Gene was an avid water skier and Rita enjoyed nothing more than being his ski boat captain. While at Lake Thunderhead, Rita was very involved in Book club and was also involved in a Bridge group. Rita was also very active in Wednesday Club until she moved to Indianola. Exercise and eating healthy were a priority for Rita and the family really loved to give her a hard time about it. Her great indulgences were dark chocolate and eating other people’s french fries.
Survivors include her children: Becky Cline (Mike), Robyn Pasa (Dan), Dan Parks (Teresa), Carrie Hosey (Dennis), Brad Riggall (Linda), grandchildren: Meghan Cline, Shannon Baker, Jamie Jolley, Antonio Caraccio, Patrick O’Donahue, Willie Pasa, Thomas Parks, Ben Parks, Alex Zalewski, Samantha Parks, Katlyn Parks, Alexis Cope, Cannon Riggall, Dallas Hosey, Quincy Hosey, Madison Hillman, Denver Hosey, 29 great grandchildren, brothers: Jim Speidel, Steve Speidel (Lynn), brother-in-law, Eric Hoglund, sisters-in-law; Nancy Proctor, Elaine Faas and numerous extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dr. MG “Gene” Parks, son, Anthony Parks, grandchildren: Danny Parks, Lacy Pasa, sister, Nancy Hoglund, brothers-in-law; Don Faas, Dennis Proctor and brother/sister-in-law, Ryan & Laurel Parks.
Funeral service will be 1:00 pm, Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville. Interment will immediately follow at Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be two hours prior to service from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Memorials may be given to Wesley Life Hospice. Please make checks payable to Wesley Life Hospice and and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Parks Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared at https://www.thomasfh.com or https://facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
Rita’s service will be streamed live at
https://my.gather.app/remember/rita-parks
What’s your fondest memory of Rita?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rita?
Share a story where Rita's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rita you’ll never forget.
How did Rita make you smile?
