Ida May Parks, 85, of Columbus, formerly of Blue Ridge Summit, Pa., died on July 14, 2012.

She is survived by three sons, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death in 1991 by her husband, Mal Parks Jr., and by her devoted friend, James E. Keller, in 2005.

She was born in Chicago and was a graduate of Carleton College in Northfield, Minn. and obtained her master’s degree from Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind.

Ida May was an avid reader who traveled the world through books; during her life she showed dogs, she kept bees, she was a quilter, she taught elementary school and she was a business administrator.

At her request, there will be no memorial service, but friends are asked to pause to recall a fond memory.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Drive, Columbus, N.C. 28722.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.