Doris Parsons Obituary

Doris Louise Parsons, 92, of Des Moines, passed away unexpectedly on May 17, 2025. She was born on June 22, 1932 in Des Moines to Mervill and Lucy (Quinnett) Moore. She grew up on the east side attending Stowe, Woodrow Wilson and graduated from East High, Class of 1950. She was very proud to attend the 2024 Scarlet Celebration for her 74th high school reunion and was looking forward to attending this year for her 75th reunion.

She started at the Rollins Hosiery Mill on E. Dean Ave right after high school and worked there for 4 years, quitting to start a family. With former husband Lowell, they had 3 sons Mike (1954), David (1956) and Raymond (1961). She stayed home to raise her sons until after her divorce, then worked days as a lunch lady at Hiatt Jr. High and evenings as a waitress at the Commodore Hotel.

Once the boys were old enough, she started working full time as a cook at Iowa Lutheran Hospital. She retired after more than 20 years in 1996.

After retirement, Doris spent many years traveling around Iowa and the Midwest with her sister Judy or her sons. She loved to spend time on her deck watching the birds and feeding the neighborhood squirrels.

We would like to thank the staff at Bickford of Urbandale who made her last few months very enjoyable with their attention and many activities she participated in.

She is survived by her sister Judy (Larry) Lancaster of Norwalk, sons Mike (Cathy) of Alleman, David (Pam) of Roland, Raymond (Teresa) of Des Moines, 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Jackie and Mervill and sister Gerry Owens.

A graveside service will be held on June 20 at Oakwood Cemetery in Pleasant Hill at 2:00 pm.

Memorial donations should be made to the ARL of Iowa.

Arrangements by Iles Grandview Park Chapel.

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