Cecelia M. Parman

Cecelia Marie (Gramm) Parman, a long time member of New Hope United Methodist Church (formerly Otterbein), passed away peacefully, accompanied by family, on November 23, 2009. A beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Cecelia was also a skilled seamstress, crafter, and cook. With her skilled hands, she clothed her family, crafted fine keepsakes, and her handiwork adorned the tables of church dinners. Her family finds it difficult to remember her without something in her hands. Her memorable recipes are still requested years later. Neither her hands nor her mind were ever idle, for she was also an avid reader.

Born in Kimball, South Dakota on August 9, 1914, she spent her early years in Chamberlain, South Dakota. After high school graduation, she married Harry A. Parman on March 13, 1935 in Alexandria, SD. The young family grew and in the early 1940's, they settled in Topeka, Kansas.

Cecelia (Babe) worked as a seamstress for JC Penny's for many years. She was a clerk for Midwest Office Supplier's for 14 years retiring in 1973. After retirement, she found fulfillment as a devoted volunteer, most notably, for Doorstep.

Harry and Babe were avid campers and fishermen, meeting many friends through camping clubs. She not only took countless photos of their travels, but rocks and even a stick or two also found their way home.

Cecelia was preceded in death by her devoted husband Harry A. Parman, her son Darryl Parman, and her daughters Marilyn Sue Parman and Carole Lynn Parman. She is survived by her sons, Royce E. Parman and wife Barbara of Prairie Village; Michael A. Parman and wife Wendy of Topeka; and her daughter-in-law, Dinah Parman of Fenton, MO; 11 grandchildren and several great and great-great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 27 at Penwell-Gabel Parker Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka. Family burial will take place at the West Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery at a later date. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to New Hope United Methodist Church, 2915 SW 8th, Topeka, KS 66606.