Marialee "Kay" Parris

Marialee “Kay” Parris, 81, of Poplar Grove, IL passed away on Monday, November 13, 2023. She was born on January 21, 1942, in Scotland County, MO to the late Cecil and Marialee (Wheeler) Cossel. She married the love of her life, William Parris, on June 12, 1960, in Scotland County, MO. Kay was born at home in rural Scotland County, MO in a home that had no running water or electricity at the time. She spent her childhood on the farm and in her early teens before her family left the farm. She graduated from Kahoka High School in Kahoka, MO, where she was a cheerleader, a majorette for the marching band and sang in the choir.  She started dating her future husband Bill Parris, while she was in high school and was married a week after graduation. They were married for 54 years. Their union resulted in a family of three children. Bill’s work took them to many places, the last of which was Candlewick Lake in Poplar Grove, IL. They relocated there in 1979 and Kay went to work at Manchester Grade School in 1980. She continued working there until she retired nearly 30 years later. She loved working with the staff and especially the students, instilling the love of reading. Having a church family was very important to Bill and Kay and they made sure they had one wherever they were. They joined the Poplar Grove United Methodist Church and faithfully attended and participated in the ministry there. They strove to show the love of Christ through their daily lives. They were also members of the Gideons and Auxiliary of the Gideons International. In 1996, Kay became a grandma! This was her greatest joy. She spent the last years of her life following her grandchildren around to their different events and being their biggest cheerleader. She loved them so much! She also made many new friends spending time the last few winters with her daughter and daughter-in-law in FL. Kay has left behind many special nieces, nephews, friends, and church family. She would reassure them all that she was not afraid of death and that they will be reunited one day. Kay is loved and will be deeply missed by her children, Konrad (Suzi) Parris, Jennifer (Debra Dilks) Parris; grandchildren, John Parris, Ava Parris; sister, Karen (Ron) Kuntz; sister-in-law, Margie Cossel. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Marialee; beloved husband, William Parris; daughter, Johnna Garner; son in law, Robert Garner; brother, Cecil Cossel Jr. There will be a visitation on Friday November 24, 2023, at Poplar Grove United Methodist Church from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at the church. Interment will take place at Poplar Grove Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Poplar Grove United Methodist Church in Kay’s name.