Delores Parrish-Hansen

This happy lady passed away May 17, 2014. Delores was an inspiration to all, and will be missed by all of her friends that she made since moving to Idaho Falls in 1982. Delores was born July 23, 1923, in Walnut, Kansas, the second daughter of Harry Gilbert Williams and Ruth Snider Williams. She graduated from Ottawa High School, Ottawa, Kansas, in 1941. She later earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from a private university in Ottawa, Kansas. Delores continued graduate work at University of Hawaii, Utah State, University of Idaho, and Idaho State. On June 24, 1948, she married Robert E. Parrish in Ottawa, Kansas. In 1952 they moved to St. Anthony, Idaho, where Bob devoted his life to being a humanitarian at the Youth Services Center. Mr. Parrish died May 11, 1977. Teaching has always been a joy and a challenge to her, and for 34 years she taught in Potlatch, Boise, and St. Anthony, Idaho (30 of these years in St. Anthony). While teaching at South Fremont High School, she choreographed and taught the fitness routine for the Junior Miss Pageant, directed girls’ athletics, debate, and drill team. Her teams won several commercial contests at Ricks College. At South Fremont Jr. High, she taught girls’ P.E., Health, and Speech. She directed a select group in children’s theater, and they performed in area grade schools. She was a performer and danced in productions at the University of Hawaii, and the “Nutcracker” in Idaho Falls, Utah State, and six years of adult tap dancing with a group directed by Betty Anderson. On November 24, 2000, she married Bert H. Hansen. Bert was well-known as an inventor and an authority in the field of irrigation. Mr. Hansen died May 20, 2003. Delores enjoyed many activities, and always said that dancing and tennis were her favorite things. Always a fitness advocate, 1989 was the highlight of her career when she had the pleasure of making an exercise video with Rita Mareno. Delores was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as a Deacon, singing in the choir, and ushering at worship services. She enjoyed being a member of PEO, Chapter AA, and for the past five years she attended Community Bible Study. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, two wonderful husbands, her adorable sister, Mavis Menninger, a brother-in-law Coburn Williams, and her niece, Jane Williams. Delores is survived by her two sisters; Marilyn Williams of Logan, UT, and Gloria Williams of Hartford, KS; a brother-in-law, Dr. R.G. Menninger, Topeka, KS; step-children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Memorial services will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at First Presbyterian Church, 325 Elm Street, with Reverend Ron Lavoie officiating. The family would especially like to thank Hospice of Eastern Idaho for their tender care of Delores. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Shriners Hospitals for Children (Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, or online at www.shrinershopsitals.org), or the Idaho Youth Ranch.

Memorial Services will be held

Wednesday May 21, 2014 , 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church