Parnell, Alice

Alice (Sutherland) Parnell, age 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, January 29, 2007, at a local care facility. She was born May 10, 1919, in Muskegon to Edward and Alice (Kirby) Sutherland. Alice was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Muskegon High School, class of 1938. Upon graduation, she worked for Sealed Power in Muskegon and then for Uarco, Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio, transferring with that company to Chicago where she resided until 1946. Returning to Muskegon in 1946, she worked for WKBZ Radio. Alice moved to Grand Haven in 1950 to become office manager for the Chamber of Commerce, where local businesspersons noticed her talents and skills. In 1953, Alice accepted the position of secretary and assistant to the President of Security First Bank. She was named Chairman of MBA Bank Women's Committee. Alice married Robert B. Parnell in December of 1964, becoming stepmother to his two children, Robert Jr. and Patricia. Alice was a member of First Presbyterian Church and loved to travel, read, play bridge, and work crossword puzzles. Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, in 1985; her sister, Genevieve (Jack) Buttner; and her sister, Edna (Don) Hulander. She is survived by her stepson Robert (Linda) Parnell, Jr. of Archbold, Ohio, and her stepdaughter Patricia (Alan) Garter of Spring Lake. Other survivors include 2 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; her brother, Edward Sutherland of Muskegon; and several nieces and nephews. With respect to her wishes, there will be no service. For those wishing to pay their respects and share memories, please meet with the family at the home of Alice's niece and her husband, Barb and Tom Gudelsky, on Saturday, February 10, 2007 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., 510 Ottawa Avenue, Grand Haven. It was Alice's wish that we "clink our glasses" one last time for her. Memorial contributions in Alice's honor may be made to Hospice of North Ottawa Community, http://www.noch.org/hospice.html.