Obituary: Kathleen (Parks) Box

Kathleen (Parks) Box, 70 of Tucumcari, NM, passed away in Amarillo, TX on May 12, 2024.

Kathleen was born on June 22, 1953, in Portales, NM to HL & Betty Parks. She was raised and attended school in Portales. After graduation, she attended Eastern New Mexico University where she met her husband of 52 years, Phillip Box.

They were married at Calvary Baptist Church in Portales on May 5, 1972. They settled and began farming together in Endee, New Mexico. They later purchased a farm in Tucumcari where they raised their four children. Kathleen was well known as a second mother to numerous children and youth; cooking meals, transporting them to camps, contests, fairs, and celebrating their life events throughout the years. While raising her family, she volunteered tirelessly with 4-H, the Quay County catch-it heifer, horse show and rodeo programs. She was an advocate for family farmers and ranchers and served as a Rocky Mountain Farmers Union board member representing the state of New Mexico for many years. In the last few years, she has been involved in coordinating and running the Tucumcari Farmers Market. As a Christian, volunteering at First Baptist Church in Tucumcari was her most long-standing ministry. She was passionate about her relationship with Jesus and loved sharing it with others.

In addition to farming and co-owning an insurance agency with Phillip, Kathleen began a childcare business in 2001 after the birth of her first grandchild. This business quickly led to her becoming Nana to numerous children until her retirement in 2023. She delighted in being a part of these children’s lives: watching them grow, hugging away their tears in times of sadness, and celebrating their successes.

Kathleen’s grandchildren were her pride and joy. She dedicated her life to praying for and supporting them. She was their number one fan. Her dedication to God, her husband, children, church, and community has been an inspiration to so many throughout the years.

A cherished wife, mother, Nana and friend, she is survived by her husband Phillip, her children and their spouses: Andrea and Tim Clark, Jason and Marissa Box, Opal and Kenny Romero, Sherry and Brent Byrd. She had 12 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Larry Parks and Pat Branwen, and cousin, Jim Parks. She is preceded in death by her parents: HL and Betty Parks, one brother: Ron Parks, and one cousin: Marlin Parks.

Services celebrating the life of Kathleen Louise Box will be held at First Baptist Church in Tucumcari, NM on May 17, 2024, at 1:30 pm. Internment will follow at the cemetery in Grady. In lieu of flowers: the family asks that donations be made to Gideons International in memory of Kathleen Box.