Mae Sue Harper Parker Krone

Mae Sue Harper Parker Krone passed away on her favorite day of the year - Christmas Eve, December 24, 2014. She died of heart disease at 84 years of age. She lived a fascinating, exciting life of struggle and adventure.

She grew up in Arizona during The Great Depression. She moved to Southern California as a young woman and married a handsome GI, Robert Parker, and had two sons, Bob and Don. She was one of the first women to serve in the United States Air Force. She lived in Bernecout, France while her husband was stationed at a United States Air Force Base. She returned to the United States in 1964.

Working as an executive secretary at Norton Air Force Base where she met the love of her life, Colonel Robert Krone. They married in July 1976, after her boys graduated from high school. Sue and Dr. Bob, university professor, traveled the world together living and working in 14 countries where he administered a University of Southern California masters degree program and taught its courses.

Sue’s professional talents included her innovative home renovation, organization and design skills. She applied them everywhere she lived. She transformed a dilapidated deserted San Bernardino, Calif. 1895 14-room Victorian home into its original classic design with the help of different family members for 35 years.

During that time, Sue and Bob formed a social group of influential San Bernardino citizens titled “The Players.” Most of that group are still San Bernardino residents. From 1976 to her death she was a member of the Idyllwild Arts Board of Trustees. In 2003, Sue and Dr. Bob moved to Fallbrook, Calif. where they were active in the Fallbrook VFW post. Their home in Fallbrook is where she died.

She is so very much loved and missed. She is survived by her husband, Colonel Robert Krone USAF(Ret); son Robert Patrick Parker and his wife Amy Parker; son Donald Clyde Parker, his mate, Marti Manser, and Donald’s daughter Lindsay Parker of Temecula, Calif. She is also survived by registered nurse granddaughter Dawn Parker and great-granddaughters Madison and Alaric of Beaumont, Calif., plus a huge family of nephews and nieces across the United States and overseas.

She was predeceased by brothers Owen, Bruce, and Dale Harper, and sisters Alice Harper and Oween Chapman.

Prior to her death, Sue founded The Harper Family Foundation. Any descendant of Homer Munde Harper and Marion Stewart Harper, who were pioneer Land Grant settlers in Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona, 1928-1933, will be members and share the purpose of helping any Harper Family member in need.