Eileen Parrish

Eileen Parrish, 92, of Valdosta, died on Friday, April 10, 2015 at her residence following a brief illness. She was born in Arlington, Minnesota on December 19, 1922 to the late Philip and Emma Doerr and has been a resident of Valdosta since 1969. Mrs. Parrish was known for her independent spirit and her love of travel. Her family recalls that in her youth, she moved from her home in Minnesota to Los Angeles on her own and was eventually followed by her sisters and mother. While in Los Angeles, she worked with a Hollywood photographer and at times it was hard to tell if she worked for him or was one of Hollywood's starlets. Three years after moving to Los Angeles, she again pulled up roots and moved to San Francisco. There she met the love of her life, Dale, at the Yankee Doodle Dandy Bar and married a few months later. Mrs. Parrish became a devoted military wife and raised her family while Dale pursued his military career. This included holding down the home front shortly after her first son, Steve, was born as Dale left to fight in the Korean War. The family traveled throughout the United States and Canada during Dale's tenure with the Air Force. When Dale retired and he entered the civil service, they made their home in Spain for a 3 year period and while there, travelled extensively through Europe. She enjoyed cooking and spending time with family and friends. She was also a tennis enthusiast and loved watching and rooting for her favorite players. She and Dale are together again and enjoying their 5 o'clock happy hour.

Survivors include her sons, Steve Parrish and his wife Sandi Parrish of Valdosta and Mike Parrish and his partner, Sue Schell of Bellevue, Washington; a step-son, Larry Parrish and his wife Mary Parrish of Falls City, Nebraska; four grandchildren and their spouses, Alexandra and Juan Diego Arzayus of Valdosta, Dr. Marc and Sarah Parrish of Prairie Village, Kansas, Ryan Parrish of Independence, Missouri, and Michelle Parrish of Wichita, Kansas; four great-grandchildren, Anna Parrish and Bennett Parrish of Prairie Village, Kansas, Ezekiel Arzayus of Valdosta, and Luke Parrish of Wichita, Kansas; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Parrish, and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Armarella and James Hirshberg, Maretta and Carlton Siegler, Lucille and Ralph Stirratt and Savilla and Alan Krueger. Special thanks to Buffy, Bonny and the entire staff of Langdale Place and Hospice of South Georgia.

A memorial service for Eileen Parrish will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 in the chapel of Langdale Hospice House with The Reverend Larry Parrish officiating. The inurnment will follow in the McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of South Georgia. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602