Ruth Elizabeth "Betty" Parrish

Ruth Elizabeth "Betty" Parrish died Monday, November 9, 2009 at Brewster Place in Topeka. She was born May 29, 1915 in Great Bend, Kansas, one of two daughters of Lester and Gertrude Cox. She was graduated from Great Bend High School in 1932 and from the University of Kansas in 1936 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a double major in Psychology and Sociology. At KU, she was president of the Chi Omega sorority and was a member of the Mortar Board honor society. She was married to Major General Clement C. "Monte" Parrish on October 16, 1937. He preceded her in death on December 25, 1985. When her husband was called to active duty at the beginning of World War II, Mrs. Parrish took control of the family hotel and restaurant business in Great Bend and managed them successfully until the war was over. When the war ended, Mrs. Parrish and her husband continued to build their business and purchased a farm south of Great Bend. Betty moved to Topeka in 1977 to retire, but retirement was not to be her mission. She quickly became involved in assisting political candidates and developed a new career in the Constituent Services Office of Governor John Carlin. She was a member of the Highland Park United Methodist Church. Mrs. Parrish loved politics and her KU Jayhawks, but most importantly she loved her family. Survivors include four sons and two daughters, Monte M. (Tana) Parrish of Ames, IA; James W. (Nancy) Parrish of Topeka; Herbert Victor Parrish of San Francisco, CA; Claire Parrish of Carmel, CA; Annie (Bruce) Tharp of Los Angeles, CA; and John Lester Parrish of Parsons. She also leaves nine grandchildren including Kylar (Jessie) Anderson of Dallas, TX; Brandon (Katie) Tharp of Yuma, AZ; Hunter Parrish of Los Angeles, CA; W.T. (Robin) Moody, Les Parrish, Tyler Parrish and Monte Parrish all of Topeka; Jamie (Jeff) Parrish Lomber of Portland, OR; Michael (Tirsa) Parrish of Gilroy, CA; and Dr. David (Jessi) Sosnouski of Ames, IA. She leaves two nieces and one nephew including Carol (Chuck) Nicholson of Topeka; Joy (Dennis) Walker of Lancaster, PA and Charles (Rita) Parrish of Westchester, IL. She leaves numerous great nieces and nephews. She also leaves 15 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 13, at Highland Park United Methodist Church, 2914 SE Michigan in Topeka. Private inurnment to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Highland Park United Methodist Church Music Department, 2914 SE Michigan Ave., Topeka, KS 66605. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com. Ruth E. Parrish