Josephine Ann Parrish

Josephine Ann Parrish, 91, passed away November 2, 2013, at Friendship Village in Tempe. Born in Kansas to Joseph Allen Fortner and Helen Frances Prescott, Jo graduated from University High School in Bloomington, Indiana in 1939. She moved to Tempe in 1957 and earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in English from Arizona State University. She taught English at Arizona State University, UCLA Extension, Santa Monica City College, and the University of Houston before embarking on a successful career as a real estate agent in Houston, Texas. Retiring and returning to Tempe in 1979, she was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Tempe Women’s Club, and Resurrection Catholic Church. Jo enjoyed calligraphy, bridge, reading, book reviews, and Sunday night family dinners. She lived life to the fullest and will be missed by all who knew her. Jo was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Walter William McElvain; her last husband, Robert M. Parrish; her sister, Mary Margaret Hughes; and her brother, Joseph Allen Fortner II. She is survived by her son, Walter William McElvain, Jr. (Georgia), of Tempe; her sister, Barbara Kyler (Charles) of Mesa; her grandson, Andrew William McElvain (Erin) of Wasilla, Alaska; her granddaughter, Erin Elizabeth Armstrong (Marty) of Chandler; and four great grandsons. There will be a Visitation Tuesday, November 12th 2-3 p.m. with Service 3 p.m. at Carr-Tenney Mortuary 2621 S. Rural Rd. Tempe. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona, 4203 E. Indian School Rd., Suite 140, Phoenix, AZ 85018. Burial will be in Valhalla Cemetery in Bloomington, Indiana. Arrangements entrusted to Carr-Tenney Mortuary in Tempe, AZ and Day Funeral Home in Bloomington, IN To leave condolences for the family, visit www.carrtenneymortuary.com or www.DayFuneralServices.com