News Summary
June Parks Hackler, a cherished matriarch of the Ottumwa community, passed away at the age of 95. Known for her baking and community involvement, her legacy lives on through her children and grandchildren. The family plans inurnment at Florida Memorial Gardens as they honor her memory with contributions to local church missions.
Ottumwa, Iowa – June Parks Hackler, a beloved member of the community, passed away on June 29, 2025, at the age of 95. She died in the Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa. Originally from Flat Ridge, Virginia, Hackler lived in several places over her lifetime, including Beaufort, South Carolina, and Rockledge, Florida.
Born on October 16, 1929, June was the daughter of Hezekiah “Carl” Parks and Ruth Roberts Parks Eidson. Throughout her childhood, she experienced family changes as her parents divorced, and she subsequently had step-parents named Hattie Parks and T.W. Eidson. Growing up in Fries and Bristol, Virginia, she married Ray Hackler in 1953. The family moved to Florida in 1956, where they continued to raise their children until June and Ray divorced.
For nearly 50 years, June worked in retail and food service along Central Florida’s east coast. Following her retirement in 2005, she relocated to South Carolina to be closer to her son. Due to declining health, she later lived briefly with her daughter Becky in Georgia before settling in Iowa to reside with her daughter Mona.
A cherished matriarch, June was known as “Grandma June” to her nine grandchildren and “G.G. June” to her 14 great-grandchildren. Her family fondly remembers her passion for baking, often preparing desserts from scratch after church services on Sunday afternoons. A favorite moment among her grandchildren was the playful call of “Kiss me quick before my pie burns” during their visits. She was particularly renowned for her roast beef and a family-favorite recipe featuring Fritos and beans.
In addition to her culinary talents, June enjoyed crocheting and other needlework crafts. Her dedication to her church community was evident through her involvement in various church activities, including Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, and choir. In her later years in Beaufort, South Carolina, she participated in a Bible Study group, further showcasing her commitment to her faith and community engagement.
June is survived by her six daughters: Dianne Jackson from Bristol, Tennessee, Susie Messimer from Johnson City, Tennessee, Sandra (Chuck) Crawford from Orlando, Florida, Rebecca (Dennis) Hanthorn from Roswell, Georgia, Ramona (Rev. Phil) Griffith from Ottumwa, and Rhonda Hackler from Orlando. She is also survived by her son, Master Sergeant (USMC Retired) Ronald (Krista) Hackler, residing in Beaufort, South Carolina, as well as her stepdaughter, Judy Umbarger of Chilhowie, Virginia. Hackler was preceded in death by her son Randy Hackler, her parents and step-parents, and a step-son, Bill Hackler Jr.
At June’s request, her body has been cremated, and no memorial services are planned at this time. The family will arrange for inurnment at Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge, Florida. Those wishing to honor her memory may make memorial contributions to Faith Baptist Church in Ottumwa, earmarked for mission efforts. The arrangements have been entrusted to Reece Funeral Home.
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