Ray Michael "Mike" Parker

A Life Well Lived

Ray Michael "Mike" Parker was born on July 2, 1951, and grew up in Oreana, Idaho, on the Triangle Ranch. From his earliest years, Mike was drawn to the ranching life. The land, cattle, horses, hard work, and Western way of life became a part of him and remained with him throughout his life.

As a young adult, Mike ran a local cattle operation for Shirley Nichols Cox Murdoch. His knowledge, dedication, and love for cattle eventually led him to Simplot, where he worked in cattle management until his retirement.

But Mike's life was about much more than his work.

He loved the Western way of life. He loved horses, cattle, ranching, and being outdoors. He appreciated good people, good music, and a good time. And there was one thing that could always bring special happiness to Mike, dancing.

Mike absolutely loved to dance.

Whether it was dancing with the woman he loved or simply being out on the floor enjoying the music, dancing brought him joy. He loved the music, the movement, the people, and the memories made on the dance floor.

Mike especially enjoyed popular music. For him, dancing wasn't about a particular style of music or following a routine. It was about the feeling of the music, being close to the person he was dancing with, and enjoying the moment.

Most of all, Mike loved his family.

He was a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life touched the people around him in ways that will remain long after his passing. His family was a part of his greatest accomplishments and his greatest joys.

Mike passed away on September 23, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, stories, friendships, and love.

He was preceded in death by his father, Rayburn Jr. Parker; his mother, Nell Bachman Parker; and his sister, Terry Turbot.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Billie Daniels Parker; his sister, Trena Parker-Armstrong and brother-in-law, Larry Armstrong; his sons, Jay Parker and Chad Parker; his daughter, Trinity Christianson; his daughter-in-law, Kristen Cates Parker; his grandson, Justin Parker; his granddaughters, Megan Parker and Adellese El-Mansouri; and his great-grandson, Danny.  Mike is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mike leaves behind more than a list of accomplishments. He leaves behind a way of life.

He leaves behind the memories of a boy growing up on the Triangle Ranch, a young man working cattle, a lifetime spent in the ranching business, and countless memories shared with family and friends.

He leaves behind the sound of music and the memory of his boots moving across a dance floor.

He leaves behind stories that will be told again and again.

And he leaves behind a family who will continue to love him, remember him, and carry his memory forward.

Mike lived a Western life, loved his family, worked hard, and knew how to enjoy the good things life had to offer.

Until We Dance Again

When the music starts and the dance floor fills,

When the soft music plays and the evening is still,

When the lights are low and the stars shine bright,

We'll think of Mike and remember his smile.

We'll remember his boots, his hat, and his way,

The cattle, the horses, the work of each day.

We'll remember the laughter, the stories and friends,

And most of all, the dancing that never seemed to end.

So don't say goodbye, just Until we meet again.

Save us a place on that dance floor, Mike.

Keep the music playing.

Keep the lights on.

We'll see you when we get there.

Rest easy, Mike.

Your work here is done.

Your dance isn't over, it's simply waiting for us.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Star Cemetery, 9350 W. Floating Feather Rd. in Star.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm, on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Bruneau American Legion Hall, 32536 Belle, in Bruneau.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.