Rita M. Parker, 83, of Alton, IL died at 9:21 pm on Saturday, February 7 in St. Louis, MO. She was born August 30, 1942 in Alton, the daughter of the late Frank Peters and Marie (Huber) Peters. She was a member of SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church. She spent her life devoted to faith, family and home. She loved to spend time with family, especially her four grandchildren, as well as spending time outdoors gardening and tending to the details of the home. On December 5, 1964, in Alton, she married William Parker, who preceded her in death. Surviving are her three sons, Brian Parker (Richelle) of Sun Prairie, WI, Peter Parker (Peggy) of Glendale, MO, and Tim Parker of Palm Desert, CA; four grandchildren, Drake Parker, Jack Parker, Luisa Parker, Emma Parker; sister Doris (Peters) Cress; and her beloved dog, Sadie. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her three brothers Walter, Harold, and Frank Peters. Visitation will be from 3:00 PM to 6:00PM on Sunday February 15th, 2026 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton, IL. A Mass of Christian burial will be Monday February 16th 2026 at 10:00 AM SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Alton, followed by burial at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Godfrey. Father Jeff Holtman will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, The Friends of the PBC Foundation or the American Cancer Society. Additional information and online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com