Obituaries

November 29, 1919 to May 7, 2019

ROYAL CENTER - M. Maxine Parish, 99, of Winamac,  passed away Tuesday, May 7, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving granddaughers April Simmermaker, Amy Parish and Abbey Eskridge; her friend and caretaker Jared Simmermaker, and friend Ronda Loehmer.

Born on Nov. 29, 1919, in Oak, Ind. (now called Thornhope), she was the daughter of the late Osta James and Mildred Lenora (Fultz) Smith. She spent her childhood in Thornhope with her parents and two brothers. One of her favorite memories was going to Chicago to visit her aunt during the 1933 World's Fair.

Survivors include her children: Janet Johnson of Culver, Charlene [Mike] Miller of Argos, and James M. [Joyce] Parish of Loxahatchee, Fla.; 15 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: James Walter Smith and Donald Eugene Smith; daughter Carol Belt-Smith; grandson Richard “Rick” Belt; and son-in-law Ted Johnson.

Mrs. Parish was a strong, independent woman who liked to do things her way. She was an avid photographer for many years and had a large collection of favorite shots. In her later years she enjoyed taking photos of nature and visiting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her fiery spirit, love of coffee and fantastic Scrabble and Yatzee skills.

Per her wishes, there will be a celebration of Mrs. Parish’s life at a later date.

Harrison-Metzger-Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.