Annlouise (Sohn) Walker Parke

Annlouise (Sohn) Walker Parke

August 29, 1934-April 1, 2018

Loving mother, grandmother, and sister, Louise passed away peacefully on April 1, 2018. She is survived by son David Walker and wife Geralyn, granddaughter Victoria, grandson Patrick, stepsons Kevin and Neil Parke, step grandchildren Tangela, Kathleen, Megan, and Benjamin, and siblings Anton, William, and Robert Sohn.

Louise was born 29 August 1934 in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Ruth and Anton Sohn. She attended Howe High School, Macalester College and Earlham College graduating in 1956 with an A.B. in Education. She married Robert S. Walker 19 December 1959 and raised two children, Laurrie who died 16 January 1992, and David. After her husband Bob died in 1974, she married Russell F. Parke in 1980.

Louise dedicated her life to teaching and helping other people. She was a counselor at YMCA and Campfire Camps, an elementary teacher at Indianapolis School #72 and later at Lawrence Township Schools. During her teaching years she obtained an M.S. in Special Education from Butler University and attended IUPUI. Louise developed a wide circle of friends while Education Director at President William Harrison Home for fifteen years and during her extensive community service. When Russ retired in 1993 Louise retired from the Harrison Home. Russ died in 2010.

Louise’s volunteer service included Brownie and Girl Scout troops at Irvington Methodist Church, PTO President, Blood Drive chairman, Chaplain of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Meals on Wheels, and Wheels in Motion. Louise was active in East 91st Street Christian Church. She started a Puppet Ministry with fifteen young people that quickly grew to thirty. The group received invitations from numerous churches and performed in Ohio and Illinois before she retired after twenty-five years of service.

Louise lived a life of quiet grace and dignity with a dedication to Christ. She taught us how to live, love, and respect others. We are blessed and proud to have been a part of her life. She will be greatly missed.

Friends and family are invited to gather 4:00-8:00pm on Monday, 9 April 2018 at Flanner Buchanan- Memorial Park. A funeral service will take place, 10:00am on Tuesday, 10 April 2018 at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to East 91^st Street Christian Church, 6049 E 91st St, Indianapolis, IN 46250.