Barbara Parkison, Monona, Iowa formerly of Riverton, Iowa, April 19, 2019

Barbara Parkison, 88, of Monona, Iowa formerly of Riverton, Iowa died Friday, April 19, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Society, Waukon, Iowa. Barbara Lee was born February 22, 1931 to Everett Russell and Jessie Gertrude (Scoles) Schaeffer in Riverton, Iowa. She attended country school and graduated from Riverton Highschool in 1948.

Barbara was united in marriage with Clarence Dale Parkison on June 28, 1948. Two children were born to this union. Barbara had worked as an assistant manager and sales for Howards Clothing and Sporting Goods in Shenandoah, Iowa for 18 years.

Barb grew up on a farm outside of Riverton, Iowa with her parents and one brother, Bobby. She attended Country School for her elementary years, where she would say, “I had to walk a mile to and from in all kinds of weather.” Well actually she rode her pony, Daisy. Her dad bought Daisy for her with a bushel of corn. While on the farm, Barb decided to ride Daisy into the house one day. Needless to say, her mother was not pleased!

She moved into the town of Riverton and started attending Riverton Community School, where she met the love of her life, Clarence Parkison. During High School she played basketball and we were told she was very good. She sang in the chorus and with small groups.

Barb loved family first, horses second and playing cards third. Barb always had a horse and Clarence always wanted a horse, so when they got married, they purchased several horses and began riding. Both Pam and Deb were raised on horseback, as were Barb’s 4 grandchildren. The family spent many hours trail riding as well as traveling a 4-state radius competing in Rodeos and Horse Play Days. Barb loved to camp and sit by the fireplace after a full day of riding.

She and Clarence attended Riverton United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir, served on many committees, and was UMW President for several years. She was very active in helping serve dinners in the church, Vacation Bible School, and pretty much anything that was needed, she did. She was a member of the Rebecca’s’ in Riverton and several card clubs. She and Clarence loved to not only singing together, but also loved to go dancing.

Her faith was strong, and we know she is in the arms of her loving Lord.

Barbara is survived by her two daughters, Pamela (Denny) Koso of Riverton, Iowa and Deborah Parkison of Monona, Iowa; four grandchildren, Tony (Dana) Koso of Shenandoah, Tim (Kelli) Koso of Glenwood, Rev. Jessica (Mike) Jacobsen of Atlantic and Dustin Parkison of Monona; nine great-grandchildren, Zack, Gage, Levi, Jackson, Jaydin, Dakota, Kourtnee, Ashleigh and Megan; and a close family friend, Sharon Meier of Shenandoah.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Dale Parkison on June 18, 2009; parents, Everett and Jessie (Gertrude) Schaeffer; and a brother, Robert (Arlene) Schaeffer.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Wednesday.

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at Living Faith United Methodist Parish, Monona, Iowa with Rev. Deb Parkison as the officiant.

Burial will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at Riverton Cemetery, Riverton, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Living Faith United Methodist Parish and Riverton Fire and Rescue.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.



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