Barbara Ann Parkhurst

Barbara Ann (Butts) Parkhurst passed away with joy and laughter at the age of 96 on Tuesday February 14, 2023. She was born on September 19, 1926 to Henry Charles Butts and Annette Lydia (Dalen) Butts in Omaha, Nebraska.

Barbara attended Grinnell College, Iowa; University of Minnesota (Journalism);

Grand Canyon College, Arizona Masters in Education.

Barbara was married to James Richard Parkhurst October 12,1952 and had four children: James Henry, Jennifer Ann, Annette Lisa and Mary Lee. Following his passing, they moved to Austin, Texas. Barbara was a 6th grade teacher with AISD for two years. She also worked at the Texas State Capitol, Texas Bar Association proofreading legislation. She was employed by JCPenney as an administrative assistant then worked for the City of Austin, City Clerks office where she took notes at the weekly public council meetings for 22 years before retiring.

Barbara's volunteering included being a Grey Lady at the Veteran's Hospital (St. Louis); a member of the Altar Guild at Triumphant Love; Secretary for the newly formed Lord Of Life Lutheran Church. She was also a member of the AAUW (American Association of University Women) for over 50 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband (12/17/1968), Mary Lee (infant, 2/24/1960), and stepdaughter Sheryl Green (2002, Utah).

Barbara is survived by her son, James Henry Parkhurst and daughters Jennifer (Parkhurst) Burton and Annette Lisa Parkhurst; grandchildren, Robert Alan Parkhurst (Tabitha), Charles Andrew Parkhurst (Whitney), Audrey Michelle (Parkhurst) Connaker (Michael); great grandchildren, Russell Luke Esteban Acosta, Azalea Luera Parkhurst (Andrew), Rylee Carmen Munoz (Audrey), and Serinah Connaker (Michael), and stepson Steven Robertson (Sandra) from Arkansas.

Her children would like to thank EnHabit (Encompass) Hospice Care and Poet’s Walk Cedar Park for their exceptional care of their mother.

A memorial service in honor of Barbara's life will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Saint Martin's Lutheran Church, 606 W 15th St, Austin, TX 78701. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer's Association in Barbara's name.