Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
Obituary
Crystal Parks, 74, passed away peacefully at home on May 2, 2024, in Ivins, Utah, due to complications from diabetes and congestive heart failure. She was born on September 7, 1949, in Seminole, Oklahoma to William Brown and Margot Grein, just days after her mother arrived from Germany as a war bride. She was one of six children: Elaine, Howard, Bobby (Robert), Jerry (Gerald), and Tim (Timothy). Her parents and three of her siblings, Elaine, Howard, and Bobby, preceded her in death.
She grew up in Henderson, Nevada, and Rock Springs, Wyoming. She worked as a waitress in Rock Springs, where she met and married Oren Parks on March 12, 1978. Oren adopted her daughter, Staci, from a previous marriage, making them all very happy. Oren and Crystal celebrated 46 years together this year.
Crystal was highly intelligent and studied things that interested her throughout her life. She became a master gardener who could turn even the most barren soil into a flourishing oasis. Her gardens, full of fruit trees, day lilies, and vegetables, were a testament to her creativity and love of nature. She cultivated a haven of beauty and sustenance for herself, her family, and her friends, often giving jars of delicious homemade jam and loaves of freshly baked bread.
She was a talented artist who loved painting, sewing, and crafting. She had a keen eye for detail and color in anything she did. She loved creating gifts for family and friends, and even designed her own soft sculpture dolls, which she turned into a business.
For many years, Crystal devoted herself to the art of raising birds, transforming her passion into a livelihood. Her aviary was a sanctuary, where birds of all kinds flourished under her care. Cockatiels, Cape parrots, Senegals, African Greys, blue and gold macaws, and more, she loved them all. Through patient nurturing and boundless affection, Crystal formed bonds with her avian companions that transcended words. Her knowledge and love for birds were unmatched, leaving a lasting impression on all who crossed her path. Her birds- Tahoe, Tonka, Ollie, and Olivia- will miss her very much.
Crystal’s departure is a great shock and brings deep sadness to all those she left behind- her husband, daughter, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews, and close friends. The family appreciates your love and support and asks that you contribute your memories and pictures here on the memorial website- this will be how we honor and remember her.
Gallery
Videos
Memory wall
Hope this brings some comfort, knowing that her love expressed through plants lives on.
Much love to the family❤️
