Claribel Parker

Claribel Parker, 81, of Hot Springs Village, Ark., passed away September 15, 2019. She was born July 22, 1938, in Benton, Ark., to James Fred and Ann (Griffith) Carpenter, and was married to George Parker February 14, 1958. Clara, as she liked to be called, attended Ouachita Baptist University at Arkadelphia, Ark., for one year. She transferred to the University of Arkansas at Monticello where she met George on a blind date. She was secretary to the college Dean of Women from 1958-1960 while George completed college. Clara shared secretarial duties at First Presbyterian Church in El Dorado with her good friend, Alice Baker. She later assisted her husband in their new business ventures. They moved to Hot Springs Village in July 2008, where Clara made many good friends. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in El Dorado. Clara sang in the choir, played handbells, as well as being a member in the Women of the Church Circle. Clara was also an active member of Alpha XI Chapter of ESA. She loved to play bridge with the women in her bridge club. Clara had a lifelong love of dogs, birds, snakes and traveling. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, which were the center of her world. She was preceded in death by her parents; and grandson, Eric M. Varley. Survivors include daughters, Mary Elizabeth Varley (Michael) of Texarkana, Texas, Barbara Ann Reuter (Steve) of Ballwin, Miss.; granddaughters, Amber Danielle Foshee (Justin), Summer Elizabeth Varley, Madison Clare Reuter; grandson, Peter Graham Lawless (Alexis); and sister, Betty Ann Wilkinson (Don). A celebration of Claribel's life will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Caruth Village Funeral Home in Hot Springs Village. Another memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church in El Dorado. Special thanks to the nurses and staff of Arkansas Hospice, and for the support of our wonderful neighbors. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116. Online condolences at www.caruth-hale.com.