Vivian Ruth (Jackson) Parsons, 98, passed away peacefully at the Warrensburg Manor Care Center on Thursday, July 20, 2023.

She was born on July 2, 1925, to Murray Surber Jackson and Lulu Christine (Weaverling) Jackson in their home on a farm near Latour, Missouri.

She married William Price Parsons on December 25, 1948. They were married almost 51 years before William died on November 13, 1999. She was the loving and devoted mother to four children, Diane, Guy, Dale and Ruthane. She was blessed with eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Vivian often shared the history of the many grade schools she attended. Her father was a farm supervisor and, therefore, the family lived in several rural areas of Johnson, Cass and Henry Counties as she was growing up. She attended Creighton School, Oak Grove School (lived between Creighton and Urich), Enterprise School (North of Urich), Magnolia School (North of Chilhowee).

The Jackson family bought a farm in rural Columbus MO, where Vivian graduated 8th grade from Farmer's School. She and her sister, Jean, attended College High School in Warrensburg and would stay in a rented upstairs bedroom in the town of Columbus during the week to catch transportation to town for high school. They would ride their horse back to the farm to help with chores on the weekends. Vivian graduated from College High School in 1943.

She attended Central Missouri State Teachers College (now known as University of Central Missouri) and was a checker at Kroger grocery store in the summers. Vivian went on to teach in a one-room school house, Waldon School, with up to 15 pupils ranging from 1" to 8* grade from 1944 to 1949. Always thinking what is best for the children, Vivian and William Price Parsons, were married on Christmas Day 1948 while school was not in session so she did not distract the students.

Vivian was employed as secretary to Miss Nellie F. Wells, County Superintendent of Schools. The office was on the third floor of the County Courthouse. She also was the secretary to the principal at the Warrensburg Public Schools. She was a substitute teacher at the State School 46 for the handicapped.

After Vivian and William had children, Vivian became a homemaker and helped on the farm. She loved to be outdoors and loved animals. In addition to the cattle and crops at the farm, they also raised and sold Shetland Sheepdogs (toy collies) and had several Shetland ponies. Vivian loved to raise bobby calves in her back yard and might, on occasion, bring one in the kitchen to nurse back to health. She played an active role in her children's lives as a 4-H leader for over 25 years, Girl Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, PTA member and library volunteer. When she was not chasing kids around, Vivian's hobbies included sewing, cooking, crafts and reading. Vivian was a member of the First Christian Church of Warrensburg and enjoyed being a part of the Christian Women's Fellowship. One of her most favorite projects was the annual rummage sale.

Vivian and William are probably remembered most from Parsons Roller Rink. They owned the roller rink from 1967 to 1981. Her most famous phrase was "All skate, all skate slow please." She was always good for a hug and parents felt safe leaving their children in her care at the skating rink. Many of the regular customers would call her, Grandma.

As her children became young, working parents, she offered the best day care any parent could hope for the love of a grandma. Amazingly she kept six of the eight grandchildren on a daily basis during the work week and was always there no matter what.

Vivian is survived by her children, Diane (Earl) Soetaert of Smithville, Guy (Vickie) Parsons of Warrensburg, Dale (Sabrina) Parsons of Warrensburg, and Ruthane (Greg) Small of Warrensburg. She had eight grandchildren, Brad (Sarah) Small, Ryan (Rachel) Small, Casey (Carissa) Small, Jeff Soetaert, Phil (Tara) Soetaert, William Guy (Desi) Parsons, Jennifer Parsons, and Natasha Parsons. She had eleven great-grandchildren, Taylor Small, Tucker Small, Marlee Small, Chase Small, Ila Small, Kolby Soetaert, Hailee Soetaert, Layla Parsons, William P Parsons II, Jamie Parsons and Braylen Parsons.

Vivian is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, William, one sister, Jean Simmons, and one brother, Norman L. Jackson.

Vivian knew the value of a smile. She always had a smile on her face, even in the toughest times. If she had any pain or complaints, she might share them but would always finish with but "I'm okay!" These last three years have been very challenging for Vivian as she lost her mobility. She was always used to caring for everyone else and now had a hard time accepting she was the one that needed help. In addition to her family's assistance, Vivian had the care of the great staff at Warrensburg Manor Care Center. Many residents and staff will miss her smile.

She lived a long 98 years and worked hard and loved hard all of her life. She will be missed but never forgotten. Vivian had a love for anything with cardinals on it. The phrase "Cardinals appear when angels are near" is quite fitting now. Vivian is resting comfortably watching the cardinals from above.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 25, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Williams Funeral Chapel in Warrensburgi. Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 26, at 2:00 pm at Liberty Cemetery, located North of Warrensburg, with Elders of First Christian Church Deb Haller and Kathy Ramser officiating. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren: Brad Small, Ryan Small, Casey Small, Jeff Soetaert, Phil Soetaert, William Guy Parsons, Jenny Parsons and Natasha Parsons.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Christian Women's Fellowship. (Better known as CWF of First Christian Church) in care of Williams Funeral Chapel.

Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net