Grace Kathleen Parrish was born February 29, 1948 in Independence, Missouri, on Sunday of the leap year, to parents John and Cindy (Floy) Collens. On Tuesday, July 12, 2016, she went to Heaven after passing at the family home in Buckner, Missouri.
The period between those two dates, Kathy brought an incredible amount of happiness, joy, and most of all, love into so many lives. It’s almost impossible to list all of those she touched. She was a beautician for many years, which was one of her passions in life. She had a shop in the house and it seemed like the entire town had their hair done by Kathy, and most came simply because they loved her company. She had a smile that could light the darkest night, and dimples so big, it looked as though she was always smiling even if she wasn’t.
Kathy went to Heaven leaving behind her soulmate, Sam Parrish, and they were bonded together for 52 years. The love between the two of them is something everyone seeks. They had three children that went on and made beautiful families that truly were Kathy and Sam’s world. Their oldest is son, Keith Wade Parrish, his fiancé Julie Mackie, and their incredible son, Jack Wade Mackie Parrish. Next is Kent Wayne Parrish, wife Nancy, and their daughters, Ashley and Briana. Lewis and Briana gave Sam and Kathy their first great-grandchild, Baby Layla. The youngest is daughter, Karry Jo Divers, husband Rich, and their children, Kodey, Chance, Katy Jo, Collen, and Baby Kash. Kathy’s life truly revolved around the love for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter.
Kathy also leaves behind three brothers: Bruce Smith, wife Teri, and daughter Nikki & family, Skip Smith, wife Grace, and daughters, Dana & Jill, and Frank Smith, son Kory, daughters Sheena & Frankie Leigh, and four-legged son Duke. Her extended family includes seven uncles & aunts: Chuck & Addie Forbes, Evelyn Daniels, David Forbes, Kenny & Terri Forbes and sons, Clark & Andy, Shirley & Bob Phillips and kids Rickie, Rodney, Randy, & Rhonda, Mary & Orville Kilgore and son Brian & family, and Rick Forbes; cousins: Karen & Phil Kangizer & family, “Tiger Inn’ Wendy, Frannie & Danny Casey & family, and Junior Daniels & family; nieces & nephews: Dana & Andy Vohs & family, Jill & Robert Hazel & family, Nikki Richardson with fiancé Jarrod & sons, Bryce & Jayden, Corey Gill & family, Sheena Smith & family, and Frankie Leigh Mollifooter & family; two stepbrothers: Dennis Collens, and Larry & Lola Collens.
Most of all, the passion and lights of her life were her eight grandchildren: Kodey, Chance, Katy Jo, the “Collenator”, Baby Kash, Ashley, Briana, and Baby Jack.
Private services for family only will be held Monday, July 18th at Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley, MO, with visitation from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., and Memorial at 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 6th at 4:00 p.m. at Lake Jacomo Shelter House #11. All are welcome to attend this party celebrating Kathy’s life.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441