Edith M. Parkins

Edith M. Parkins, age 99, of Lancaster, died on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home near Lancaster. She was born July 10, 1924, in rural Cassville, the daughter of Benjamin and May (Taylor) Kirschbaum. They lived in the former Okey School then moved to Cassville. Edith graduated from Cassville High School in 1942. On June 6, 1950, she married Stanley Parkins at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They farmed in Beetown Township for many years and later moved to Bloomington.

Survivors include four children: Susan Placko, Sally (Douglas) Neverman, Richard (Dianne) Parkins, and Ronald (Faye) Parkins; 12 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Edith was preceded in death by husband Stanley, brothers Ted and Stanley “Pat”, and son-in-law Robert Placko.

While in high school, Edith collected news for the Grant County Herald and Independent and the Bloomington Record. She performed Texas skip rope tricks and trick riding, standing on and vaulting from a horse. Edith worked as a stenographer in Milwaukee during World War II and later graduated from University of Wisconsin - Platteville in Elementary Education. As a classroom teacher and reading specialist for over 40 years, Edith taught at the Groom School (near Cassville), South Wayne, Beetown, Cassville, Lancaster, Bloomington, St. Mary’s in Bloomington, and West Grant (now River Ridge). She enjoyed helping all children learn to read.

On the farm, Edith raised chickens, planted a garden and orchard, and gave away many apples. She was a member of the Pleasant Hour Club and the Eves circle. Edith led the Beetown sesquicentennial celebration and walked in the parade. She loved cats, dogs, dancing, yard sales, and auctions. Edith traveled frequently, including visits to her family. In her later years, she became an accomplished china painter and enjoyed playing cards.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 2 at 11:00 a.m. at Bloomington Methodist Church. Visitation is at the church from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., luncheon at noon, with burial following in Dodge Cemetery in Beetown Township. An Edith M. Parkins Memorial Fund has been established. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Bloomington is assisting the family.

Edith’s family deeply appreciates the wonderful staff at Morningside Assisted Living, her longtime home, and Orchard Manor staff and St. Croix Hospice for their comfort and care in her final days.