Front Range Seed Analysts
1994 Seed Forum Volume 8 Number 2
RITA PARKER RETIRES
by Michael Dideriksen
After eighteen years as seed analyst with thirteen years as the Director for the Wyoming State Seed Laboratory, Rita Parker has retired. She was born on a farm in Edgewood, Iowa. At the age of six her parents moved to a ranch near Laramie due to her Father's health. She attended all of her elementary and high school classes in Laramie. She married Pat Parker in 1956 and started her family. When the youngest of her three children was in twelfth grade she was given the opportunity to work in the Wyoming State Seed Lab. As Rita tells it, "Paul Hall was looking for the grandmotherly type person and I had always been interested in agriculture." Thus her career began in January of 1975.
Through the years Rita gained high respect for her precise and timely testing. Working closely with the growers was one of her most rewarding experiences. Coworkers describe her as an excellent teacher and a person who would pitch in on any task, no matter how menial. Her biggest challenge was the testing of revegetation species. TZ evaluation of such species was especially challenging. She participated in several AOSA committees, including referee work and research testing for germination and purity procedures.
Rita has always been highly involved in her community. She organizes everything from bazaars to pancake suppers. In her spare time she enjoys doing needlework and making afghans. At the 1993 AOSA/SCST convention one of the most prized raffle items was a beautiful afghan made by Rita. The FRSA wishes Rita well in her retirement.