Shella Corinne (Parks) Rooney 1952 - 2024

PARKS, ROONEY, RUHRING

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 7/11/2024 at 14:44:11

Sioux City Journal
25 May 2024

Shella Corinne (Parks) Rooney

August 23, 1952 - May 15, 2024

SIOUX CITY - Shella Corinne Rooney passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at a local hospital Wednesday, May 15th.

A Visitation/Wake to honor and celebrate Shella's life will be held Tuesday, May 28th, 4pm – 7pm @ Waterbury Funeral Home, 4125 Orleans Avenue, Sioux City, IA 51106.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at St. Boniface Church, 703- W. 5th St., Sioux City, IA 51103. A lunch will be served in the Church basement immediately after burial services at Calvary Cemetery.

Shella wasn't born with the surname. But for the family and those that know us, Shella was the "Rooney of the Rooney's". Shella will be dearly missed by her surviving family and friends who meant the world to her.

Shella was born on August 23, 1952 to Loren and Lucille (Ruhring) Parks. She was a "baby boomer", the youngest of six. Her father, Loren, was a lifelong farmer. Her mother, Lucille, was a farm wife who worked off the farm at times when not working and parenting on the farm.

Shella started school in Moville. For the 4th grade she enrolled at Immaculate Conception in Sioux City. Moving on to Heelan High School, graduating in the Class of 1970. Within weeks of graduation, she entered St. Vincent's (Mercy) X-Ray school from which she would graduate in June, 1972; beginning a 42-year career as an X-Ray Tech.

Shella always had a way with people, a real genuine interest in the people she met. In the 1970's she became an early user of the CB radio in her car, and in our home. Her handle was Irish Cowgirl and she picked up the lingo from her truck driver brother, Don. It was a hobby that lived for a number of years in her interactions with people around the country, near and far.

On November 11, 1972 she married Patrick Rooney. Four sons were born over the next seven years. Chad Michael – 1974; Christopher Patrick – 1976; Cory Joseph – 1977; Casey James – 1979.

The 25 years after the birth of her 1st son Shella was a typical mom. Giving the children love and correction. Opportunities to grow and find the path to maximize their talents, and eventually their dreams.

Shella developed an interest in racquetball in the early 1980's after the birth of her sons. The girl who rodeoed in high school because the City's schools did not offer sports to girls in the 1960's had a talent for racquetball, an obsession really. She played every day if she could; and mostly, she could. She competed in racquetball tournaments throughout the Midwest, so often successfully that she was a nationally ranked amateur within 2 years of starting the sport. When

Shella wasn't competing in racquetball she was following her sons in their own athletic adventures. Starting with pre-school Gym & Swim classes at the Y. Then Y-soccer and T-Softball; which eventually led to Soccer, Football, Basketball, Track and Baseball thru the High School level. And on to college for all 4 playing variously Football, Basketball and Soccer at the scholarship level. There were miles upon miles of road trips to over 36 states for over 22 years just to watch her sons compete. That's when she became "Roondog Mom" which makes perfect sense when each of your sons gets nicknamed Roondog by teammates. Those young men couldn't wait to meet Roondog Mom, with a hug; which she always reciprocated, often with a kiss on the cheek.

Shella is survived by Patrick, her husband of 52 years; her sons and their families: Chad / Erin Rooney - Gracie, Audrey, Chad Jr., Carsyn, and Mia. Christopher Rooney - Casey Jonathan and Alexandra. Cory / Erika Rooney - Addalyn, Makenna, and Brynn. Casey / Kristi Rooney - Brooklyn and Kate. And numerous Nephews, Nieces, great-Nephews and great-Nieces.

Shella was predeceased by her parents Loren & Lucille Parks; siblings – Colleen Knop; Jerine Schlotman; Jerry Parks; Tom Parks; Don Parks. And a nephew, Don Parks.

Shella made friends easily with a smile and a hello. Especially during the last 11-years of her X-Ray career spent as a 'medical traveler'; taking 3-months assignments at hospitals all over the country. She repeatedly went to Peoria, IL; Owensboro, KY; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Rockford, ME; Seattle, WA; and San Jose, CA; where she worked with dozens of soon to be lifelong friends and cared for thousands of patients. She loved so many of the people she met in her travels, and stayed in touch with many of them over the years.

Shella, besides her son's high school and college sports trips, and 'traveling' career; enjoyed vacation trips to Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Belgium and 4 times to Mexico.

She had a great sense of humor and always loved a good joke, even if it was inappropriate.

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to the most loving wife, nurturing mother, caring & supportive grandmother, and loyal friend to many. We will miss her voice, her hugs and the twinkle in her eyes while smiling.

In remembrance of Shella's remarkable life filled with love and laughter, may we find solace in the cherished memories we shared with her. She will forever remain in our hearts as a beacon of light and warmth.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Shella's memory can be made to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, Our Lady of the Incarnation Monastery, 2901 S. Cecelia Street, Sioux City, IA 51106.