If you are reading this, it is because on May 20, 2025, I slipped the bonds of this mortal earth and I’m standing at the feet of God singing his praises and living in my heavenly home.
I was born Connie Lou Parr Jan. 28, 1930 to Rufus and Georgia (Keller) Parr in Garden City. I was the oldest of five siblings. My brother, Gordon Parr and my parents got here before me. My sister, Patricia Roberts of Garden City, Steve Parr (Wanda) of Garden City, and Rodney Parr of Wyola, Mont. are still enjoying life on earth.
I grew up on the family farm south of Garden City during the depression years and attended high school at Pierceville during WWII. Sugar shortages, gas rationing, and wringer washers were life lessons I passed on to my girls.
After high school, I attended Ft. Hayes State University and got my teaching certificate. Following graduation, I shared an apartment with two other girls and started teaching in Cimarron. While there, I met a dashing young man, Leon Graham. He swept me off my feet and we were married Dec. 23, 1951 in Garden City.
Once Leon got back from serving in Korea, we eventually settled down to farm 20 miles north of Liberal. We had four lovely girls: Reva (Kit) Carson, Cynthia (Gary) Sallaska, Rhonda (Cary) Keith and Julie Graham.
In addition to helping Leon on the farm, I had several jobs. I worked at the Seward County appraisers office, the Sublette school system, and ended my working career as a library aide at the middle school. I really enjoyed that job because I got to see the kids every day and talk to them about what they were reading. I always enjoyed a good book!
I was a member of the Trinity Faith Church in which I taught children’s Sunday School and helped Leon teach adult Sunday School later on. The girls were all active in 4-H, so sewing, demonstrations, fashion reviews, crop boards, and livestock showings kept me on the run.
Heaven has been wonderful. I got to see Leon, my daughters, Reva and Cynthia, and my grandson Scott Keith today. I’ve missed them all so very much! Rhonda and Cary have taken really good care of me over the last few years while Julie has been working in Tennessee.
I am going to be busy getting things ready up here so we can have a huge family dinner (my favorite thing!) when the rest of my grandchildren: Christopher (Leanne) Keith, Sarah Keith, Clint (Shawna) Sallaska, and Grant (Amanda) Sallaska, make heaven their home. Until then, I’ll be watching over them, my 12 great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren.
If I had to say what my greatest joy in life has been that I loved the Lord. He’s seen me through good and bad been my constant companion. If you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, ask someone about Him. He loves you.
o Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Hornung Family Funeral Home at 1212 W 2nd Street in Liberal. The family will be present to greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, May 23, 2025 at Restlawn Cemetery in Liberal. The services can be viewed on the Hornung Family Funeral Home Facebook page.
Memorials are suggested to Trinity Faith Church Children’s Ministry in care of Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W 2nd Street, Liberal, KS 67901.
Condolences may be left at www.hornungfuneralhome.com.
Paid obituary
