Shirley Irene Parison, 74, of Rossville, KS, passed away Monday, March 11, 2024 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. She was born July 23, 1949 in Torrance, CA, the daughter of Kenneth Orloff and Winifred Elizabeth (Spicklemeier) Howland.

Shirley graduated from Topeka High School in 1967. She worked as a Dietary Aide and cook for nursing homes; including, Merry Manor and Jackson County Nursing Home (currently Medicalodge Jackson County) both in Holton and Hill Haven Nursing Home in Topeka.

She was a member of Christ Church in Holton and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxillary.

Shirley married James N. Parison on April 29, 1970 in Topeka, KS. He preceded her in death on June 11, 2009 after 39 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Winifred Howland; daughter, Rita Waterman; sister, Faye Howland; 4 brothers, James G., William S., Edward L. and Ronnie Howland; 2 great-grandchildren, Jessica Parison and Chase King and step-father, Oscar Helstrom.

Survivors include daughter, Francis Goodwin (Mike) of Sabetha, KS; 2 sons, James Parison, Jr. (Amber) and Thomas Parison both of Holton, KS; sister, Ann L. Cain of Topeka, KS; 2 brothers, Kenneth Howland (Diane) of Burlingame, KS and David Howland (Debbie) of Topeka, KS; 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Memorial Service will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2024 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Inurnment will be at Netawaka Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.