Barbara Sue Parrish

1936 - 2026

Barbara Sue (Cummings) Parrish, 89, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 25, 2026 at the Schuyler County Nursing Home in Queen City, Missouri.

Born March 13, 1936 in Puxico, Missouri, Barbara was the daughter of the late Frank Leonard and Lavetta (Cummings) Dizert. Her family moved to Graysville, Missouri where she was raised by her parents Levetta Marie and Albert Justice "Toby" Smith. She attended school in the country schools in the Graysville area. She attended high school in Unionville, MO where she was an avid softball player. Upon leaving high school, Barbara moved to Kirksville, Missouri. Barbara's love for antique furniture eventually led her into the furniture business. She and her husband Jerry established Parrish Furniture in 1982. Jerry, Barbara, with Barbara's son Robert ran the business for many years. Robert continues to operate the business since Barbara's retirement. Outside of the furniture business, Barbara loved her family, cats and a good cup of coffee with friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Jerry Parrish; sister-in-law, Pat Martin; and her brother-in-law, Wayne Parrish.

Barbara is survived by her son, Robert Cummings; sister-in-law, Mary Kay Scott; brother-in-law, Eldon Parrish; nephew, Eric (Carrie) VanSickel all of Kirksville, MO; as well as three cats: Funny Face, Buster, and Cookie, which were a joy to her.

Public visitation will be held Monday, February 2, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. service time in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Pastor Jeremy Broach officiating. Interment will follow the service at Rose Cemetery in Unionville, Missouri.

Memorial donations in memory of Barbara may be made to the Adair County Humane Society or to Rose Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.