Helen Parker
, Missouri
Helen Maxine (Long) Parker of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 99.5 years old with family by her side.She was born on September 6, 1926, in Jane, Missouri, to Willard Frank and Pearl Opal (Pasley) Long. She grew up in McDonald County, MO, and attended school at White Rock High School in Jane, MO, where she met her future husband, Charles Parker.In 1945 during WWII, Helen and her girlfriend, Ozell Sutter of Bentonville, went to Wichita to work in an aircraft plant as welders. This earned Helen the nickname “Rosie (Helen) the Welder” by her family. Helen and Ozell continued to stay close throughout their lives, calling each other often.She and Charles got married in Carl Junction on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1947, witnessed by his brother and sister-in-law, Loran & Virginia Parker. After the ceremony, they attended a local football game to celebrate; entertainment back…