Verna Caroline Parish

She joined her husband, Raymond W. Parish, and her sons Henry W. Parish, Richard L. Parish, David L. Parish as well as her parents, brothers and sisters, and nieces and nephews, and friends. She is definitely cooking up a storm for the family/friends’ reunion and playing bingo on the heavenly side.

She was born in South Dakota on August 1, 1927.

She is survived by her sister Freida Smith of Rapid City, South Dakota; son Dennis R. Parish of Aberdeen, Washington; daughter Peggy J. Parish of Olympia, Washington; daughter in laws (they were actually her daughters even if they had separated from her sons – once you were in her family you were her family); multiple grandsons and granddaughters; great grandsons and granddaughters; and other extended family. Verna was mom not only to her kids but also a multitude of others over the years. Her love and caring was for everyone and people who knew her would eventually, as they were around her more and more, also call her mom. As family, we were proud to share her love with them.

She was proud to be a member of the Eagles Auxiliary for over 50 years. She served in all the offices and as Madam President and Past Madam President multiple times. Mom and Dad spent years helping out at the Tenino Eagles in various way but the one I remember the most is working in the kitchen. Mom loved to cook and I know there are a lot of Eagle Sisters and Brothers who came to Tenino for dinners who remember her cooking and love for the Eagles.

During her life she had an extended career from teaching school, driving trucks (dump truck size), and working as a waitress at King Solomon’s Reef in Olympia, Washington for over 50 years. She enjoyed her job there because she loved interacting and working with people.

The truest words to describe Verna. She loved with all her heart and her love for her family was everything. She loved seeing her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. They made her light up and even when she was losing her hearing and not knowing exactly what they said, she loved them and they made sure she knew how much she was loved. She loved the annual family/friends picnic and this is a tradition that will continue.

To her family and friends, I wish to thank you for being there for her. She loved you.

Funeral arrangements will be held at l0 AM on August 3, 2020, at Mills and Mills Funeral Home. It will be a graveside service only and limited to immediate family due to limited gatherings.