Della Mae Parker, 93, of Cando, ND, passed away Sunday, April 30, 2017 at the Towner County Medical Center in Cando, ND. Graveside Services will be held on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Cando, ND with Rev. Bonnie Weaver officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Hal Parker Post #79 Cando American Legion.

Della Mae Parker, 93, was born Feb 15, 1924 in Cando, North Dakota to Ora R. and Ruby (Kaufman) Burkhart.  Della grew up on a farm west of Cando attending both Hardwheat and Zion schools.  She graduated from Cando High School in 1941.  In 1942, she went to Interstate Business College in Fargo and moved to Minneapolis for her first job.  She then moved to Los Angeles where she worked until she enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 21.  She attended Navy training at Hunter College in New York City and then was stationed in Seattle for the duration of her enlistment.  She was honorably discharged April 4, 1946.  After her discharge, she returned to Cando and worked in a law office.  She took up flying and earned a Private Pilot License in 1947.

On June 25, 1947 Della Mae Burkhart and Robert William Parker were married in the Brethren Church at Zion, ND.  They purchased a farm 3 miles South of Cando in 1950 and lived there until 2014 when they entered Towner County Living Center in Cando.  During their years on the farm, she opened an antique store, excelled in gardening and spent a lot of time creating art.  In addition, Della was an expert at garage and auction sales and collected an amazing amount of stuff.

Della was baptized in the Brethren Church and attended church there until 1959 when she joined the Cando Lutheran Church.  She taught Sunday school and Bible School in both churches.  Della was a member of the Cando American Legion.

Della is survived by her four sons, Phillip (Ruth), James (Janeth), David (Rita), Robert Jr. (Michelle), sister Lucile Lageson; brother Wayne Burkhart; grandsons, Lane, Joseph, Patrick and Samuel Parker; granddaughters Lisa Parker, Denise (Darren) Jacoby and Valerie (Jason) Borkgrevink;  great- grandchildren,  Zachary, Zoie and Zared Parker, Alex Jacoby, Brody, Delaney and Kade Parker and Alexis and Hans Borkgrevink. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Della was preceded in death by her parents, Husband Robert, two brothers and a sister.