Jeanette Yvonne Parks Loell

Vonnie, or Vicki, as her family and friends called her, died peacefully in the arms of her family in Spokane, Washington. She was one of four children born to Iola and Ervin Parks at home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She married Jerald Karstens, who was in the military, and was later stationed in California. Vicki was a stay-at-home mom raising five children. She enjoyed baking breads, pies, and pastries. It wouldn’t take long before the house was filled with the smell of her baking. Her children, and their friends filled the house waiting to enjoy whatever she was making. She enjoyed growing roses, and cactus gardening, playing softball, bowling, and playing cards. After her children were grown, she met and married Herbert Loell. His work journey took them to Anchorage, Alaska, then on to Las Vegas, Nevada where she became the Director of Kinder Care. They later moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she volunteered at a local hospital. Their final move was to Elko, Nevada where Herbert Loell preceded her in death. Vicki is survived by her brother, Lyle (Margie) Parks; sister-in-law, Lynn Parks of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; her three sons, Ronald (Tammy) Karstens, Charles (Lori) Karstens of Spokane, Washington, Kit Karstens of Elko, Nevada; and two daughters, Carol (Vince) Neighbours of Oregon, and Jean Jones of Spokane, Washington; and thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. She will be laid to rest at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Washington with her husband Herbert Loell.