Helen J. Parks

Helen "Joan" Parks, 94, of Parsons, passed away the afternoon of Friday, October 14, 2022, at Presbyterian Manor.

Helen Joan Treadway was born January 4, 1928 in Parsons, Kansas, to John Robert and Gladys (Petty) Tredway. She grew up and attended schools in Parsons, then moved to California in the late 1950s.

In 1978 she returned to Parsons where she has lived since. She worked at the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center until her retirement.

Joan married James W. Parks on September 19, 1946, in Parsons. He proceeded her in death on January 6, 2003. She loved shopping, spending time with her family and friends. She was a Methodist.

Joan is survived by daughters Linda Lachelle Downey (Joe) of Parsons, and Louann Heck, Rowland Heights, California, a sister, Betty Lou Dye of Leavenworth, Ks. Six grandchildren, several Great-Grandchildren, and one Great-Great Grandson. She was proceeded in death by her parents, a daughter, Nancy Shepard, her brother, Fred Tredway, and sons-in-law, Philip Heck and Gary Shepard.

A Celebration of Life and family gathering will take place at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.  Burial will be prior to the gathering at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.