Beverly Parnell

November 20, 1926 - November 23, 2016

Salem, Oregon - Beverly Maedel (Lush) Parnell was delivered into the hands of the Lord on November 23, 2016 at the age of 90 years old. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Beverly was born in New Rockford, North Dakota to Charles and Lenora (Torfin) Lush. She had two brothers and two sisters. Her father worked for the Great Northern Railroad Company and passed away when Beverly was 14 years old.

Beverly's family moved to Tacoma, Washington for her high school years where she graduated from Lincoln High School. She attended Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho and Pasadena College in Pasadena, California (now Point Loma Nazarene University) where she majored in music.

After a chance meeting as children at Twin Rocks' Christian Summer Camp, Beverly and Dale Parnell reconnected at Pasadena College. They married in Pasadena, California on May 24th, 1947. Beverly was a shining light to her family as she assisted Dale throughout his professional and political success. She raised five children, instilling in them the importance of both God and family. Dale and Beverly lived for 18 years in the Eugene-Springfield area, 8 years in California, 10 years in Washington DC, 2 years in Florida, 6 years in Central Oregon, and 25 years in Salem.

Beverly was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and active in PEO Sorority. Her interests included being a choir director, Sunday school teacher, choral music and taking pictures of her family. She was well known for her happy spirit and a winsome smile. She always saw the best in the people she met.

She is survived by her husband, her daughters Susan Shields and Teresa Parnell-Autry, and her sons Paul Parnell, Steven Parnell, and Timothy Parnell. To her 17 grandchildren and her 18 great-grandchildren Beverly was known as Boo-Boo.

A celebration of Beverly's life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Capital Manor Foundation, 1955 Dallas Highway NW, Salem, Oregon. Arrangements and internment are at the Restlawn Funeral Home in West Salem. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesmanjournal/obituary.aspx?n=beverly-parnell&pid=182842842#sthash.vlsO6JD1.dpuf