Obituary of Elizabeth Parchman

PARCHMAN – Emily Mary Elizabeth “Beth” was born at Lowe’s farm near Hinchliffe, Saskatchewan on November 4, 1937. She passed away in Regina, Saskatchewan on February 20, 2015, after a brief illness. Beth was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Lucy Crozier; her parents-in-law, William and Esther Parchman; her sisters, Edna Crozier and Norma Walker; her brother, Clifford Crozier; brothers-in-law, Elmer Parchman, Rudy Walker, Howard Parchman and Bill Carlson; sisters-in-law Hazel Crozier, Rose Parchman, Betty Crozier and Wilma Bourlon; infant granddaughter, Amanda Davis; and nephews, David Reid, Kelvin Walker, Ron Crozier, Murray Crozier and Donald Reid. She is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, Carl Parchman; their daughter, Melanie (Mike) Davis; grandsons William and Zachary Davis; siblings Alvin (Dolly) Crozier, Evelyn Carlson, Ken Crozier, Wynn (George) Reid and Milt (Peggy) Crozier; brother-in-law, Ray Bourlon; and sisters-in-law, Carole Parchman and Lorraine Blakely; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, their spouses and children. Beth grew up in a house that consisted of two granaries attached end-to-end, with additions put on over the years. Until grade eight, the Crozier children walked back and forth to a typical one-room schoolhouse. After that, Beth attended high school in Sturgis, SK, living in the dormitory there. After graduating from high school, Beth moved to Winnipeg to attend the Success Commercial College, later becoming an instructor there. She moved to Regina in 1959 to begin working for the provincial government. Throughout the next 33 years, she worked in clerical positions for a variety of departments. When she moved to Swift Current in 1960, she lived with Wynn and George. They began to build a house and George’s friend, Carl, started coming by to help. Carl and Beth were married in Preeceville, SK on May 21, 1966. They settled back in Swift Current, which remained their home for the next 42 years. Those 42 years were spent working, raising their daughter, taking camping trips throughout the province, enjoying time at family gatherings, and puttering in their yard. Beth was passionate about gardening. Fruit trees, vegetables and flowers, flowers, flowers! Gladiolas were her specialty—over the years she grew thousands of them. She shared the joy that flowers brought her by delivering gladiola bouquets to the hospital, the Palliser and to several offices throughout the EI Wood Building. Beth and Carl’s happy life of simple pleasures changed dramatically in October, 2008, when she broke her neck in a freak-accident. Her body was broken, but her mind, spirit, personality and sense of humour remained intact. Immediately after her accident, Carl moved to Regina and spent every day by Beth’s side, providing much of her hands-on care. After she was moved from the General Hospital, to the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, they would tour around inside and outside, and occasionally over to see the flower beds at the nearby Legislative Building. Under Beth’s supervision, Carl would fill Wascana’s planters with flowers and tomato plants. Beth and Carl’s love for and devotion to one another was and is truly inspiring. Her funeral service was held at First United Church on February 26, 2015, with Peggy Worrell officiating. Ushers were her nieces, Geraldine Mitchell and Paulette Rozdeba. Pallbearers were William Davis, Zachary Davis, Larry Carlson, Jerry Carlson, Earl Bourlon and Bonnie Bourlon. Her niece, Donna Peters read the 23rd Psalm, one of Beth’s favourites. In memory of Beth Parchman, donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home, Swift Current, Saskatchewan. To sign the family book of condolences, visit www.parksidefuneralhome.com. “One is nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth.” (Dorothy Frances Gurney)