Wendy West Parker, 63, of Plant City, died Sept. 24, 2014, from cancer.
Mrs. Parker was a lifetime member of The American Quarter Horse Association, the National Reining Horse Association and the Florida Quarter Horse Association. With her husband of 36 years, Alan Parker, she bred, owned and showed more than 50 world and national champion horses. She helped train world and Congress champion riders. She was a world-class horsewoman herself, evidenced by the many people she coached throughout the years, who went on to be nationally recognized horsemen and women themselves.
Mrs. Parker was a dedicated mother and wife, and placed her family above all else. She was passionate about helping children to learn to ride and encouraged them to be ambitious in their lives. She especially loved giving presents to people and seeing them have joy in their lives.
She is survived by her husband, Alan Parker; son, Jacob Parker; stepson, Hank Parker (Kelley); and grandchildren, Ian and Laney Parker. She will be missed by many.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to Cowboy Up Ministries, 117 Evangeline Street, Arcadia, Florida, 34266.
Visitation and funeral were Sept. 28, at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home at Serenity Gardens, Lakeland. Interment followed at Serenity Gardens.