June Parks Hackler, 95, of Ottumwa, formerly of Beaufort, SC and Rockledge, FL, went home to be with her Lord at 7:30 p.m. June 29, 2025 at Good Samaritan Soceity – Ottumwa.
She was born on October 16, 1929 on the Park’s family homestead in Flat Ridge, VA to Hezekiah “Carl” Parks and Ruth Roberts Parks Eidson. Her parents divorced when June was a child. Her step parents were Hattie Parks and T.W. Eidson. She grew up in the towns of Fries and Bristol, VA.
She married Ray Hackler in 1953 and they with their children moved to Florida in 1956. June and Ray later divorced.
June had worked in retail and food service for almost 50 years while she lived in central Florida’s east coast. After retiring in 2005, she moved to South Carolina to be near her son. When her health started to decline, she spent a few months at her daughter Becky’s home in Georgia and then moved to Iowa to live with her daughter Mona for the rest of her years.
She loved her children. She was known as Grandma June to her 9 grandchildren and G.G. June to her 14 great grandchildren. She loved baking and would usually have a pie, cake or other dessert made from scratch ready on Sunday afternoon for friends after Sunday evening church services.
As her children grew up and moved away and would return for a visit, she would make pies and would come out of the kitchen calling to the grandkids, “Kiss me quick before my pie burns.” She made the best roast beef and a family favorite was always her own recipe for Fritos and Beans.
She loved crocheting and needlework.
June was very active in churches working with VBS, Sunday School, choir and in her later years she enjoyed her Bible Study group in Beaufort, SC.
She is survived by her daughters, Dianne Jackson of Bristol, TN and Susie Messimer of Johnson City, TN, Sandra (Chuck) Crawford of Orlando, FL, Rebecca (Dennis) Hanthorn of Roswell, GA, Ramona (Rev. Phil) Griffith of Ottumwa, and Rhonda Hackler of Orlando, FL; a son, Master Sergeant (USMC Retired) Ronald (Krista) Hackler of Beaufort, SC; a step daughter, Judy Umbarger of Chilhowie, VA.
She was preceded in death by a son, Randy Hackler; her parents and step parents; and a step son, Bill Hackler Jr.
Her body has been cremated and no services are planned at this time.
Inurnment will be in Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge, FL.
Memorials may be made to Faith Baptist Church in Ottumwa to be used for Missions.
Reece Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
