Elza Ann Parker passed away peacefully on May 5, 2024 with her husband, Richard by her side at Banner North Medical Center in Greeley, Colorado.

Elza (or Susie in some circles) was born to Chester and Elna (Root) Kinnison at the Victory House Hospital in Akron, Colorado.  As an only child, she and her family toiled on a farm in South Washington County where they raised cattle.  She had several roles on the farm but was finally brassed with taking the cream to town as soon as she was strong enough to get the cream can on the platform.   She attended High Prairie and was a member of the second class to graduate from Arickaree High School.  After graduating high school she attended secretarial school at Lamar College.  Shortly after graduation from Lamar, she began working in Akron, Colorado at the ASCS office. She was the victim of government lay-offs there but then began a 41-year career at Citizens National Bank of Akron.   While at CNB she would go in several directions as she would act as an internal auditor for several branches of the Pioneer Bank Group.

On July 3, 1968, she married her husband Richard during a small ceremony after choir practice.  The couple would have three kids, Curtis, Kristin, and Craig.  The family would create a warm home on Birch Street in Akron, CO.  The family would have many adventures together and especially enjoyed their jaunts to Estes Park.     Elza was known for her organization, but it was out of necessity for as busy as she kept herself.  She rarely missed any activities her children and grandchildren would have in school.  During fall she would have multiple computers set up to ensure she did not miss any sports action in which her grandkids were participating.    Additionally, she was the secretary of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, a member of the Eta Rho Sorority, a member of the Merryettes Homemakers Club, treasurer of the Washington County Golf Course, the secretary at the Akron United Methodist Church, and a den mother for the Cub Scouts.  Her favorite activities included fishing, golfing, and shopping.  She cherished having coffee with her friends on Tuesdays where she could get the community gossip.  However, it is the countless number of hands of bridge she played at any opportunity she had that stands out.  She belonged to several bridge clubs that would have her playing many times a week, sometimes twice a day.  She went all out when it was her turn to host.  The rest of the family was sent to the basement to watch movies and listen to the bridge ladies giggle throughout the night.

Elza loved the people of her community and had a strong commitment to service.  Richard and Elza would eat hamburgers most Friday nights.  She would show up with her "red pan" of some sort of sweet treat that everyone could enjoy.  As soon as she discovered a member of her community was struggling, he or she would be showered with encouraging cards in an attempt to give them a bright spot during their day.

Elza is preceded in death by her father Chester Kinnison, mother Elna Kinnison, and grandson Joseph Parker.

She is survived by her husband Richard, son Curtis Parker and his wife Dawn Jolly, daughter Kristin Bickel and her husband Rod, and son Craig Parker and his wife Cherylee.  She is also survived by grandchildren Briana Dutro and her husband Keith, Parker Bickel and his wife Aleala, Brynn Parker-Zillich and her wife Samantha, Hayden Bickel and his wife Savanna, Ryan Parker and his wife Katie, and Megan Parker and her fiance Austin Meyer.  Her legacy has continued into the next generation with great-grandchildren Kinsley Meyer, Grayson Bickel, Hayden Bickel, Tatum Parker, and Miles Bickel.

Her celebration of life will be held at the Akron United Methodist Church on  May 10, 2024 at 10 AM.  Interment will follow at the Akron Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to the Town of Akron, to benefit the Recreation Department.