Barbara LaVerne Diggs Parks, 81, of Auxvasse, MO, formerly of Bellflower, MO, died on Monday, June 12, 2017 at her home.

Barbara LaVerne Parks was born August 5, 1935 in Corning, Arkansas to Millard Diggs and Alice Marie Lunsford Diggs. She married Doyle R. Parks on December 30, 1958 in St. Louis, MO, and he preceded her in death on June 13, 1980. Together they shared nearly 22 wonderful years together. Mrs. Parks was a crossing guard in Fulton for the Elementary School until she retired. She was a former member of the Church of the Nazarene in Fulton, MO. She was extremely proud of working at the Auxvasse Community Center and the Auxvasse Senior Center and always enjoyed helping her neighbors. Mrs. Parks was young at heart, big hearted, very spunky, eccentric, but also very humble and simple. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Parks is survived by two children: Doyle Parks and wife, Annette, of Warrenton, MO; and Lynn Simmons and husband, Mike, of Platte City, MO; five grandchildren: Ginger Weseloh and husband, Chris; Brittany Stoesz and husband, Jason; Jessica Simmons; Kayla Hoelsher and husband, Arthur; and Haili Parks; and seven great-grandchildren: Jay Noonan; Myah Stoesz; Davis Weseloh; Hadlee Stoesz; Zoey Noonan; Howie Weseloh; and Kayden Stoesz. Also surviving are two sisters: Catherine Carey and Mary Hays, both of Poplar Bluff, MO; one brother, David Diggs and wife, Lana, of Bellflower, MO; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Mrs. Parks was preceded in death by her parents, Millard Diggs and Alice Marie Lunsford Diggs; husband, Doyle R. Parks; two brothers: George and infant, Joe Ray; and two sisters: Jean and Hazel.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO. Visitation was held on Thursday from Noon until the time of service at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO. The Reverend Jim Cline officiated and interment was in the Bellflower Cemetery in Bellflower, MO. Casketbearers included Rick Parks, Daniel Stallins, Joseph Stallins, Jason Stoesz, Rick Swaringen, and Christopher Weseloh.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Bellflower Cemetery, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO 63361.