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| OBITUARIES 2009 | ||
To post a death announcement, send a newspaper clipping complete with the newspaper's name, page number and date to ParmeleeFamily@gmail.com. Feel free to add other information, but beware that items will be edited for space. Only people whose surname is one of the Parmelee spellings or their spouses will be posted. Pictures are accepted. The oldest family members for whom I have obituaries:
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Anna [unplaced], a retired professor at Cal State Long Beach, died July 3, 2009, at Comfort Care Home in Long Beach, Los Angeles County, Calif., after a brief battle with cancer. She was born Oct. 3, 1920, in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kan., where she grew up and married. Soon she moved to Kansas City, Jackson County, Mo., completed her college education and earned a Master's in Science at Columbia University in New York City. From 1969 to 1988 she was a biology professor at Long Beach. She is survived by daughter Jerrie Ann; she was preceded in death by sisters Juanita and Harryet. Burial was in Wichita. McKenzie Mortuary in Long Beach was in charge of arrangements. |
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Carl [William "Bryan," Newland Muhlenburg, Henson Greenland, Aladdin "Burg," John, Giles, Hiel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, John, John], a foundry and tire industry worker, died Jan. 7, 2009, at the age of 82. He was born in Coalmont, Grundy County, Tenn., to Bryan and Edith (Meeks) Parmley. Carl moved to Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tenn., after serving in the Navy from 1944-46, where he served on a landing-craft infantry gun ship and saw action in France and Germany. He worked at Wheland Foundry for 20 years, and then entered the tire industry, working for Mitchell Tire and Arnco. After retirement, he served as a consultant for Arnco for many years. He and his wife, Margaret (Graham), also owned and operated Parmley’s Children’s Shop from 1971-78. He was a member of Ashland Terrace Christian Church where he served as a board member and a deacon. He also was 32nd-degree Scottish Rite Mason, a member of the Alhambra Shrine, Flying Fez unit, and a member of the Board of Governors at the Shriners' Hospital in Lexington, Fayette County, Ky. Carl was also a member of Cardiac Rehabilitation for 30 years. In addition to his wife, Carl is survived by daughters Linda Underwood and Rebecca Jane Varnell; granddaughters Amelia Pruett and Christina Varnell; and great-grandson Andrew James Weitzel. Burial was at Chattanooga Memorial Park. the Lane Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. |
Dan [Dan Edward, Charles Daniel, Hezekiah, Dan, Dan, Hezekiah, Joel John, John] died Feb. 5, 2009, in Middletown, Middlesex County, Conn. Besides his life-long interest in electronics, Dan was an avid Ham radio operator (call sign W1LFK), pilot and boater. Dan was born June 22, 1922, in Durham, Middlesex County, Conn., the son of Dan Edward and Mabel (Patten) Parmelee, and grew up there and in North Haven, New Haven County, Conn. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II and was honorably discharged as a master sergeant with the 366th Fighter Group, 9th Army Air Force. Postwar he was employed by American Airlines for two years. He worked at CBS television in New York City from 1948 to '70, and WTNH-TV in New Haven from 1970 until his retirement in '88. He and his late wife, Shirley H. (Johnston) Parmelee, lived in Clinton, Middlesex County, Conn., from 1970 to '88. Following Dan's retirement, they moved to Charleston, Charleston County, S.C., for a few years and then back to Middletown in 2002. He is survived by sons Dan E. Parmelee II, of Tacoma, Pierce County, Wash., and John W. of Storrs, Tolland County, Conn.; daughters Ann H. LeVasseur of Clinton, and Joan M. Stephenson of Midwest City, Oklahoma County, Okla.; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife of 57 years, Shirley, he is survived by sisters Winifred Stokes and Marguerite Griswold. Contributions can be made to Middlesex Hospice, 28 Crescent St., Middletown, CT 06457. Arrangements by Robinson, Wright and Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook. |
Charles [Buford Charles, James, Robert, Hiel C., John, Giles, Hiel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, John, John], of Potosi, Washington County, Mo., died Feb. 15, 2009, at the St. Louis University Hospital. He was born Oct. 27, 1933, the son of Buford and Susie (Lawson) Parmley. Charles, who was a carpenter, loved to garden. Among his survivors are sons Charles "Chuck," Randy and Clarence, all of Potosi, and Ronald of St. Louis; daughter Tracey Mitchell of Potosi, brother Jerry of Potosi, sister Wilma Cantrell of Potosi; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Charles was preceded in death by brother and a grandson Nicholas Elsey. Burial was at Potosi's Redbud Memorial Gardens. Serving as pallbearers were Chuck Parmley, Ronald Parmley, Clarence Parmley, Randy Parmley, Andrew Parmley and Robert Blake. The Britton Funeral Home of Potosi was in charge of arrangements. |
Daniel, a former employee of Wheel Horse Products, and widower of Loraine E. Parmley [Lorin Arthur, Cornelius "Irvin," Daniel Eliel, Ezra, James, Jeremiah, Lemuel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, John, John], died Feb. 3, 2009, in Chicago, Cook County, Ill. He is survived by daughters Amy Cosper of Leesburg, Kosciusko County, Ind., and Angela Herbruck of Chicago; brothers, Derrell of Mount Pleasant, Delaware County, Ind., Douglas of De Witt, Clinton County, Mich., and Dallas of Lansing, Ingham County, Mich.; and six grandchildren. |
Cowboy [Floyd B., William E., William Henry John, Richard, Ephraim, Giles, Hiel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, John, John] died May 31, 2009, in Tehachapi, Kern County, Calif. He was born Nov. 27, 1936, the son of Floyd and Elizabeth C. (West) Parmley, in Arkansas. Wood Family Funeral Service of Tehachapi was in charge of arrangements. |
Gary [William K., Zollie Crawford, William Thomas, George W., Stephan, John, John, Giles, Hiel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, John, John], a veteran and certified public accountant, died Feb. 20, 2009, at the Veterans Hospital in Kansas City, Jackson County, Mo. He was born July 20, 1948, in Warrensburg, Johnson County, Mo., the son of William K. and Mildred (Dudley) Parmley. Gary graduated from the Warrensburg High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1972, mostly with an infantry battalion in Germany. In 1974, he received a Bachelor of Science in business from Central Missouri State University. He became a CPA on Feb. 15, 1985, and later became a member of the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Gary enjoyed dealing in and refurbishing antique furniture, fishing and playing golf. Survivors include daughter Barbara Stegner of Centerview, Johnson County, Mo.; mother Mildred L. Ball of Warrensburg; a granddaughter; and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; brother William; and sister Elizabeth Shaw. Burial was at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Warrensburg. Pallbearers were Tom Shaw, Terry Shaw, Mike Shaw, Aaron Shaw, Ryan Shaw and Ray Markley. The Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg was in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Assn. and may be left in care of the funeral home. |
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Tom, a former police officer and retired trucker from Frankfort, Franklin County, Ky., died May 31, 2009, at Clarian Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, Ind. Tom was born Sept. 11, 1940, in Hart County, Ky., the son of Harvey and Della Mae (Brown) Brown. After his marriage to Everee Harper ended in divorce, he and Ethel Francis Parmley [Fred, Frank "Hence," Miles R., Garner, John, Giles, Hiel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, John, John] were wed on July 16, 1984; she died in 2003. Tom served in the U.S. Army Field Artillery. He was a former Indianapolis police officer and a retired trucker and diesel mechanic. He was a member of the Goldwing Road Riders Assn. Chapter A-2. Survivors include sons William Thomas Brown, Mikel Chriswell, Terry Brown, Bobby Chriswell, Danny Brown and Jesse Brown; daughters Sandra Shirrell, Lesa Chriswell, Sheila Cole, Deborah Schnider and Kathy Davis; sister Sarah Curl; 40 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife and daughter Diana Sanders. Services were at the Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort. Burial was at Bunnell Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Assn., 6415 Castleway W. Drive #114, Indianapolis, IN 46250. |
Helen [Ernest Eugene, Edgar Pierson, Henry Elisha, Jonathan, Jonathan, William, Joseph, Isaac, John, John], an active member of the Guilford, Conn., Garden Club, died April 27, 2009. She was born in New Haven, New Haven County, Conn., on Sept. 2, 1925, daughter of the Ernest and Helen (Woodward) Parmelee. She and Sydney Alfred Leslie were married in 1946 in Guilford. She is survived by son Chip of Guilford; daughter Lucinda "Cindy" Ingraham of Guilford, and Peggi Drain of Killingworth, Middlesex County, Conn.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Burial was at Guilford's Alderbrook Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Guilford Garden Club, Attn: Barbara Nugent, 423 Whitfield St., Guilford, CT 06437 or Green Mountain Horse Assn., PO Box 8, South Woodstock, VT 05071. Guilford Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. (Related story on family barn.) |
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Lib [Roscoe Samuel, Andrew "Jiff," Miles R., Garner, John, Giles, Hiel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, John, John], a 62-year resident of New Castle, Henry County, Ind., died May 23, 2009 at his home following an extended illness. He was born Sept. 25, 1929, in Parnell, Wayne County, Ky., a son of Roscoe and Gertie Lee (Humble) Parmley. He was employed by Chrysler, Pan American Bridge Factory, Westinghouse, and retired from ABB. Lilburn enjoyed working in his garden, fishing, wood working, yard work, and small-herd livestock. In his earlier years, he was a regular at Shenandoah High School basketball games (Row 2, Seat 1). Lib attended Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church. In addition to his wife of 53 years, Joyce (Peavler) Parmley, he is survived by sons Sam of Mooreland, Henry County, Ind., Roy of Anderson, Madison County, Ind., and Tracy of New Castle; daughters Brenda Shaffer of Sulphur Springs, Henry County, Ind., and Donna Shrum of Kokomo, Howard County, Ind.; 15 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Elvis of Parnell, and Andrew and Walter, both of Monticello, Wayne County, Ky.; sisters Esther Davis of Selma, Delaware County, Ind., Genive Koger, Ruth Baker, and Zella Parmley all of Parnell, and Vannie Hatfield and Pelba Bell of Monticello. He was preceded in death by brothers Norvel and Ingram. Burial was at Sugar Grove Cemetery in Henry County, Ind. The Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle was in charge of arrangements. |
Peg, widow of Livingston McClelland Parmele [Charles Roome, Charles Roome, Theodore Weld, Truman, Thomas Truman, Thomas, Thomas, Job, John, John] and an active member of the Skaneateles, Onondaga County, N.Y., community, died Jan. 27, 2009, at Memorial Hospital in Auburn, Cayuga County, N.Y. She had been at the Finger Lakes Center for Living in Auburn for several months. Peg was born Jan. 31, 1924, in Pleasantville, Westchester County, N.Y., to Appleton H. and Johanna C.M.S. Staples. She and her husband lived on Lakeview Circle in Skaneateles for many years, presiding over a large family, a pack of Newfoundlands and one Bunjy. As a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Skaneateles for many years, Peg worked as a board member and officer at the St. James Thrift Shop. She was active on the altar guild, prayer chain and as office parish secretary in the mid-1960s. Peg was an accomplished craftswoman, winning several prizes at the New York State Fair for needlepoint; she was also skilled in cooking, ceramic pottery, dressmaking, and knitting. She designed and crafted the blue kneelers in the chapel at St. James. In addition to her husband, Peg was preceded in death by daughters Alice P. Glasscock and Cynthia P. Spier; brother Norman Staples; and sisters Catherine Brundage, Elizabeth Staples, Janet Loughran and Camilla Staples. Survivors include sons Charles S. and Robert L.; daughter Janet P. Kent; 13 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held at St. James. Memorial contributions may be made to The Women of St. James, 96 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles, NY 13152; SAVES, 77 Fennell St., Skaneateles, NY 13152; or Autism Speaks, 5455 Wilshire Blvd. #2250, Los Angeles, CA 90036. The Robert D. Gray Funeral Home in Skaneateles was in charge of arrangements. |
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Mary, widow of Ronald Claude Parmele [Earl Calvin, Lyman Seth, Giles, Seth, Giles, Jeremiah, Lemuel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, John, John] died Sept. 4, 2009, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Peoria County, Ill. She was born June 24, 1930, in Lilly, Tazewell County, Ill., to Emmett and Hazel Marie (McLaughlin) Smith. In her early years, Mary owned and operated the Hut Restaurant in Mackinaw, Tazewell County, Ill., and retired from Brandt Trucking Line in Bloomington, McLean County, Ill. Her hobbies included crewel embroidering and cross stitch. Surviving are her mother of Eureka, Woodford County, Ill.; sons Ronald S. and Mark, both of Mackinaw; daughter Diane Brothers of Decatur, Macon County, Ill.; grandchildren, Craig, Ryan and Jeff Parmele, Trevor Brothers, and Stacy Grubbs; sister Lois Dietrich of Minier, Tazewell County, Ill. She was preceded in death by Ronald just a few months ago, and her father. She was a member of Mackinaw Christian Church, where her service was held, with Pastor Kevin Robbins officiating. Burial was at Mackinaw Township Cemetery. The Haensel Funeral Home in Mackinaw was in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Mackinaw Rescue Squad. |
Michael [Norman Frederick, Frederick Watson, Walter "Scott" Scott, Charles W., Timothy Enoch, Jeremiah, Timothy, Mark, Job, John, John] died July 22, 2009, at Boston Medical Center in Boston, Suffolk County, Mass. He was born in Holyoke, Hampden County, Mass., on Nov. 24, 1954, to the late Norman and Marion (Rogers) Parmelee. Michael attended Chicopee Comprehensive High School. He loved his job as a welder with Waste Management in Hampton, Rockingham County, N.H. He said he had the best bosses and greatest crew he has ever worked with. Mike enjoyed playing his acoustic guitar and restoring vintage Harley Davidsons. He is survived by sisters Lois Luczai of North Ferrisburg, Addison County, Vt., Linda Carmichael of Grafton, Worcester County, Mass., and Janice Parmelee of Chicopee, Hampden County, Mass.; nieces; nephews; cousins; and his African Grey parrot Mikey. Services were at the Brunelle Funeral Home in Chicopee. Burial was at Chicopee's St. Rose de Lima Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. |
Nancy, the widow of Russell Bogert Parmele [Henry Gilbert Woodruff, Charles Roome, Theodore Weld, Truman, Thomas Truman, Thomas, Thomas, Job, John, John] and a resident of Scottsdale, Maricopa County, Ariz., died Dec. 19, 2009. She was born Oct. 17, 1924, the daughter of B.C. and Gray (Bradshaw) Vitt of Greensboro, Guilford County, N.C. |
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Richard, husband of Phyllis A. Parmelee [Loman George, Gardiner Henry, Zeno "Philander," Zeno, Gardner, Nehemiah, Nehemiah, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, John, John] and a resident of Worcester, Worcester County, Mass., died Nov. 26, 2009, at Worcester. He was born Nov. 14, 1938, in Barberton, Summit County, Ohio, the son of Russell and Grace (Miller) Cramer. Richard served in the U.S. Army, and worked in advertising for shoe corporations such as Nobil Shoe, Endicott-Johnson and was vice president of marketing for Thom McAn. He was a member of the Two Ten Footwear Foundation and enjoyed golfing and racquet ball. In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Karen Mancini and Cindy Cramer, both of Shrewsbury; brothers Frank of Ohio and Russell of Florida; three grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A sister, Evelyn Jones and brothers Charles, George, and Donald predeceased him. Burial was at Shrewsbury's Mountain View Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Assn. Richard E. Cramer Memorial Fund. |
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Ronnie [Herman H., Herbert H., James A., Garner "John" J., Richard, Ephraim, Giles, Hiel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, John, John], a resident of Collinsville, Madison County, Ill., died Dec. 15, 2009, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. He was born April 29, 1957, son of Herman and Dorothy (Copeland) Parmley. Ronnie was a member of Local 44 who enjoyed riding his motorcycles and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. He is survived by sisters Loretta Armstrong of Galveston, Cass County, Ind., and Rita Parks of Staunton, Macoupin County, Ill.; brother Vernon G. Parmley of Staunton; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Donald. Burial was at Collinsville's St. John Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Park Assembly of God Church. |
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Ruth, widow of Ralph A. Parmeley [unplaced] and a longtime resident of Arkansas' Twin Lakes Area, died July 7, 2009, at age 90. She was a member of the local chapters of Order of the Eastern Star, National Assn. of Retired Federal Employees and Baxter Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, where she volunteered countless hours. Ruth also was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Bull Shoals, Marion County, Ark., for many years. She is survived by son Michael in California; daughter Marsha in Missouri; sister Edna in Oregon; brother George in Texas; four grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren in California, Missouri and Germany. Preceding her in death was her husband of 49 years, Ralph A. Parmeley. Memorials to Ruth’s memory may be made to Baxter Regional Medical Center Auxiliary. |
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Sheryl died unexpectedly at her home in McGill, White Pine County, Nev., on July 19, 2009, with her family by her side. She was born Sept. 5, 1956, in Oakland, Alameda County, Calif., the seventh of Joe and Juanita Lair's 12 children. In 1964, the family moved to Hilmar, Merced County, Calif., where she attended Elim Elementary. Six years later, they moved to Stevinson, Merced County, Calif., while Sheryl continued her education at Hilmar High. Sheryl and Alfred "Paul" Paul Parmley [Garnett Flavious, Joseph Ephraim, James Ephraim, Ephraim, Garner "John" J., Richard, Ephraim, Giles, Hiel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, John, John] were married in Reno, White Pine, Nev., in 1973, and moved to Yakima, Yakima County, Wash., where their first two children were born. They returned to Stevinson in 1978, where their last three were born. Sheryl worked for the Livingston Head Start Program for several years. Sheryl and Paul separated in 1982, and 12 years later she began a lasting relationship with longtime friend L.D. Crawford. In 2000, they moved to McGill where Sheryl decorated her home with an eclectic collection of cows and pigs, from wall decors to stuffed animals and piggy banks. She enjoyed motorcycles (and her new quad), gardening, and her yearly trip to California to visit family. In addition to L.D., she is survived by sons Paul and Angel Parmley, both of Turlock, Stanislaus County, Calif., David Parmley of McGill, Steven Parmley of Delhi, Merced County, Calif.; daughter Jessica Parmley of Turlock; stepchildren Angela Havens of Rosewood, Clackamas County, Ore., Leslie Higgens of Atwater, Merced County, Calif., Larry Crawford of Carson City, Nev., and Tim Crawford of Mariposa, Mariposa County, Calif.; 23 grandchildren; brother Ruben Lair of Yakima; sisters Deborah Lair of Delhi, Deniece Hoffman of Mariposa, Judy Hess of Green Forest, Carroll County, Ark., and Deloras Yates of Denair, Stanislaus County, Calif.. She was preceded in death by siblings Joe Lair, Carol Stroud, Kenneth Lair, Robert Lair and George Lair; and former husband Paul. Burial was at Sunnyside Cemetery in Stevinson. Allen Mortuary was in charge of arrangements. |
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Addie, a legal secretary, 
Alice of Glendale, Maricopa County, Ariz., widow of 
Barbara, widow of 
Bridget, wife of 
Jean, a resident of Windsor Locks, Hartford County, Conn., and widow of Robert Parmelee [Albert H., Alanson,
Nathaniel, Elihu, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, John, John], died April 14, 2009, at Hartford Hospital in
Hartford, Hartford County, Conn. She was born Nov. 12, 1916, in Monkton, Addison County, Vt., daughter of the
Edward and Mary Elizabeth (White) Shepard. She enjoyed crocheting, music, and playing the piano and organ. Jean
was a communicant of St. Mary Church and a member of the Windsor Locks VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Survivors
include sons Clyde of Windsor Locks and William of Suffield, Hartford County, Conn.; daughters Mary Corey of
Windsor Locks and Elaine Sika of East Windsor, Hartford County, Conn.; 13 grandchildren; 21
great-grandchildren; and her cat, Charlie. Burial was at Windsor Locks' Grove Cemetery. Windsor Locks Funeral Home was
in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Windsor Locks Lions Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 105,
Windsor Locks, CT 06096. 
Glen [Isaac Davis, Isaac Buchanan, Edward Mitchison, Samuel, Giles, Hiel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, John, John],
a World War II veteran and retired 38-year employee of Gulf Oil, died Nov. 12, 2009. Glen was born July 22,
1915, the son of 
Judith [Troy Corwin, Robert James, George Washington, Robert, John, Giles, Hiel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, John,
John], a homemaker and collector, died May 25, 2009, at Life Care Center in Port Orchard, Kitsap County, Wash.
She was born Aug. 13, 1932, in Joplin, Jasper County, Mo., to Troy and Georgia Parmely. She and Donald Dean
Beeber were wed Nov. 17, 1948, in Toppenish, Yakima County, Wash. Judith enjoyed caring for her children. She
was an avid reader and a collector of dolls, salt and pepper shakers, bells and cookbooks. She loved traveling with
her husband who preceded her in death. Survivors include her daughters Karen Fortner, Kathy Ison, Brenda
Stonecipher, Gwendolyn Rude and Shannon Massicot; brother Robert; 14 grandchildren; and 12
great-grandchildren. Son Donald and an infant sister, Lois, preceded her in death. Burial was at Twin Firs Cemetery in
Belfair, Kitsap County, Wash. Rill's Life Tribute Center was in charge of arrangements. 
Kendra [Kenneth Ernest, Ernest Lafayette, Walter "William," John, Giles, Giles, Hiel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel,
John, John], a Verizon telecommunications retiree, died Dec. 31, 2009, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, in
Carbondale, Jackson County, Ill. She was born Dec. 18, 1952, the daughter of Kenneth and Fannie "Lou" Lutrell
(Shelton) Parmly, at Anna, Union County, Ill. In addition to her husband, Gary Bartolotti of Christopher, Franklin
County, Ill., and mother, she is survived by son Michael of Christopher; daughters Kim Gossett of Mulkeytown,
Franklin County, Ill., Leslie Hacker of Valier, Franklin County, Ill., and Mindy VanFossan of Christopher; 10
grandchildren; and brother Ronald of Alto Pass, Union County, Ill. Burial was at Mulkeytown Cemetery. The
Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Lupus Foundation. 
Kenneth [Ernest Lafayette, Walter "William" Lafayette, John, Giles, Giles, Hiel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, John,
John] a longtime resident and former mayor of Alto Pass, Union County, Ill., died Oct. 25, 2009, at the Illinois
Veterans Home in Anna. He was a member of the town Fire Department, and owner and operator of Ken's
Hardware and Lumber Co. He was born April 16, 1916, at Nampa, Canyon County, Idaho, and married 
Jim [Henry Lincoln, Thomas Benton, William Henry, John, Richard, Ephraim, Giles, Hiel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel,
John, John] died Feb. 9, 2009, at a hospital in Austin, Travis County, Texas, where he had been a patient since
suffering a heart attack two days earlier. He was born May 22, 1945, near Newtonia, Newton County, Mo., the son
of 
"Deacon" [Roy Ambers, Alfred A., Van Buren, Hiel C., John, Giles, Hiel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, John, John], a
lifelong resident of Jefferson County, Mo., died there July 6, 2009. He was born May 16, 1934, at De Soto, the son
of Roy and Julia (Craig) Parmeley. He served in the Marine Corps and married Cassandra "Sandy" L. Kraft in St.
Louis in 1963. They had two sons, Craig and 
Mary [Denver Ray, Giles, Giles, Robert, John, Giles, Hiel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, John, John], a lifelong resident
of Monticello, Wayne County, Ky., died March 2, 2009, at her home. She was born Oct. 13, 1936, the daughter of
Denver Ray and Mary Alice (Barnes) Parmley. She and 
Patricia of Darien Center, Genesee County, N.Y., widow of George L. [Leo Lynn, James Cooke, Rufus H., Henry
K., Henry, Samuel, Joseph, Isaac, John, John], died June 9, 2009. She was born March 16, 1936. Among her
survivors are son Timothy; daughter Lynn Dusen; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Burial was at
the Rural Cemetery near Lancaster, Erie County, N.Y. The Zurbrick-Amigone Funeral Home of Lancaster was in
charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made in her name to Hospice Buffalo Inc., 225 Como Park Blvd.,
Cheektowaga, NY 14227. 
Rhovina, widow of Phil Parmelee [unplaced] died Jan. 15, 2009, at Meadow View Manor in Grass Valley,
Nevada County, Calif. . She was born in Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, on Nov. 27, 1918, the daughter of
Dr. Arthur and Aimee Echternacht. She moved to Long Beach, Los Angeles County, Calif., in 1931 and attended
UCLA and Chainard Art Institute. She and Ralph Michelsen were married in 1941 and moved to Newport Beach,
Orange County, Calif., where she raised her five children. Rhovina was an active leader in her church’s youth
fellowship program and with the Girl Scouts of America. She started the Newport Beach Branch of Panhellenic
Alumni and was a founding member of the Newport Harbor Hogue Hospital Auxiliary. She was honored as woman
of the year by Newport's Panhellenic Alumni in 1956. Rhovina enjoyed camping and backpacking adventures. In 1965, she and
the younger children moved to the Seattle, Kings County, Wash., area where she had a career in printing and publishing
production. She was talented in layout and design as well as a gifted watercolorist. She and Phil Parmelee were married in
1968; he died 10 years later. After retirement, she lived in Arizona for some time and worked as an arboretum docent in the
Phoenix, Maricopa County, area and painting desert scenes. She moved to Grass Valley in 1987 where she was an active
member of a local seniors hiking club and a volunteer with Hospice, Literacy Council and a member of a breast cancer
recovery group. She survived four different types of cancer. Rhovina is survived by daughters Carolyn Michelsen Hood of
Nevada City, Nevada County, Calif., Cleo Bouffiou of La Conner, Skagit County, Wash., and Cathy Michelsen of Byron Bay,
Australia; son Christopher Michelsen of Fairfield, Jefferson County, Iowa; a grandson; and a great-grandson. She was
preceded in death by daughter Claire Michelsen. 
Bob [Clifford Andrew, Andrew Pearl, Ezekiel Marion, Thomas Henry, James, Ephraim, Giles, Hiel, Nathaniel,
Nathaniel, John, John, John] died Aug. 27, 2009, after a heart attack at his home in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County,
Calif. He was born Coquille, Coos Co., Ore., to Clifford and Mary C. (Kinney) Parmley, and lived in Santa Rosa
for 59 years. Bob served his country during the 
Ronald [Earl Calvin, Lyman Seth, Giles, Seth, Giles, Jeremiah, Lemuel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, John, John], of
Mackinaw, Tazewell County, Ill., and owner of 
Ronald [William Lewis, Ernest Frank, Frank B., Henry "Harry" W., Henry Charles, Henry, Hezekiah, Hezekiah,
Job, John, John], chief of prosthetics at Fort Harrison Medical Center for 25 years, died April 25, 2009, in
Helena, Lewis and Clark County, Mont. He was born Jan. 3, 1944, to William L. and Hazel Virginia (Payne)
Parmelee, in Milford, New Haven County, Conn., and grew up in San Jose, Santa Clara County, Calif. After
graduating from James Lick High School, he joined the Navy in 1961 and three years later had his left leg
amputated. While a patient at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital, he met his future wife, Florence "Flo" Mae Smith.
Ronald always said he lost one leg and gained two. Ronald and Flo were married in 1964 in Philadelphia,
Philadelphia County, Pa. He said from that day forward that he had been tricked, and Flo had been treated since they were
married on Halloween. Ronald was a dental mechanic; certified prosthetist/orthotist in private practice; occularist for the
Veterans Administration in Philadelphia; then worked at Fort Harrison Medical Center. Ronald loved working with the Boy
Scouts, and through his efforts and encouragement many of his scouts attained the rank of Eagle Scout including his son and
grandson. Ronald received numerous Scouting awards, among them The Silver Beaver and Distinguished Commissioner
Award. He was also a member of the Montana Liaison for Paralyzed Veterans of America, Mountain States Chapter; the
American Legion; a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars; and the Amateur Radio
Club. Ronald was a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is survived by his wife; son Ronald;
daughters Roxane and Rosann Schow; father and MaryLou; brothers Richard and Keith; and numerous nieces and nephews. He
was preceded in death by daughter Rhonda and his mother. Internment was at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort
Harrison. Memorials may be sent to Montana Council Boy Scouts of America, Prickly Pear District, 820 17th Ave. S. Great
Falls, MT 59405; or to A-Plus Home Health & Hospice, 1300 Aspen St. #2, Helena, MT 59601. 
Sarah [James Jefferson, James McGinty, Joseph, Joseph, Joseph, Joseph, Isaac, John, John] died Nov. 28,
2009, after a stroke at Christopher House hospice in Austin, Travis County, Texas. She was 106. When interviewed
by the American-Statesman two weeks before her death, she said she wasn't sure how she'd managed to live such a
long life. "I just took it as it came. I think living in one town, one climate, is part of my long life. And happiness. I
think happy people live longer." Although she's seen the birth of aviation, the invention of the washing machine,
television, antibiotics, the computer, and sliced bread, she said the best invention was the pressure cooker: "It
would heat things up in just about two minutes," The youngest of the eight children of James and Sarah (Walton)
Parmele, Sarah was born June 13, 1903, in the downtown Austin, Travis County, Texas, home of her maternal grandparents,
Letitia and William "Buck" Walton. Walton was a Confederate Army officer and a defense lawyer who prided himself on
never seeing a client hanged. In 1866, he was elected Texas attorney general but was removed along with other Confederate
officers by the U.S. government, and became chairman of the state Democratic Party executive committee. The Parmeles later
moved to the family homestead in Granger, Williamson County, Texas, where James Parmele was president of Granger
National Bank. The Parmeles lived in a big, drafty farmhouse that Sarah called "the coldest house in the world," first heated
with wood stoves and later with gas. "I used to carry buckets of hot water for my bath," she said. "I loved hot baths better than
anything." In the Statesman interview, Cooke reminisced about growing up in a time "when we could play outside. We would
catch lightning bugs and put them in a jar. We could go anywhere we wanted without fear of being kidnapped." In January
2002, her great-granddaughter, Rachel Cooke, disappeared while jogging near her family's Georgetown home. Sarah's family
said the matriarch's faith -- she was a longtime Methodist -- was a rock during that ordeal. "Her strength and her faith and her
love helped us all get through that and continued to help us," said Diane Cooke, Rachel's aunt and Sarah granddaughter.
(Rachel Cooke's disappearance remains a mystery.) Sarah briefly attended the University of Texas but transferred to
Southwestern University in Georgetown. She left college in 1924 to marry Glenn Cooke, whom she'd met in high school; he
died in 1991. Sarah spent most of her life caring for others, her family said. "She went everywhere she was needed," said son
Glenn Cooke. She used to make angel food cakes every Friday to take to a nursing home, "and she didn't even like angel food
cake," said daughter-in-law Louise Cooke. "Others came first," said niece Eugenia Richards. "She never gave a thought to her
own needs. And she said 'thank you' more than anyone else in the world." Since a bout with pneumonia in 1994, she had lived
with Glenn Jr. and Louise Cooke in North Austin and spent many of her days shelling pecans in the kitchen. In addition to son
Glenn, Sarah's survivors include daughters Helen Cooke Anderson and Bernice Cooke Ferguson; nine grandchildren; 15
great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Services were at Crestview United Methodist Church. Burial was in
the Walton family plot in Austin's Oakwood Cemetery. The Cook-Walden Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 
Willine [Lawrence "Pete" Eugene, John Edward, Edward Mitchison, Samuel, Giles, Hiel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel,
John, John], a 35-year resident of Tyler, Smith County, Texas, died Dec. 31, 2009, at Hospice of East Texas in
Tyler. She was born in Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County, Texas, the daughter of Pete and Lila (Wells) Parmley,
on July 25, 1921. Willine was a past president of the Women's Auxiliary of the American Legion, and active in the
Veterans of Foreign Wars. She is survived by son Kemp Greig of Flint, Smith County, Texas; two grandchildren; a
niece and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Smith; brothers Ray and John "Wells"; and
sisters Bernice Miles and Maxine Henderson. Burial was at the Cathedral in the Pines Mausoleum in Tyler.
Arrangements were under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home in Tyler. Memorials in honor of Willine may be made
to the Women's Auxiliary of the American Legion, 5503 American Legion Road, Tyler, TX 75708; or the Hospice of East
Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701.