Carol Ann Parton

Carol Ann Parton, age 81,  passed away on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at her home in Marion, Illinois. She was born to Walter and Geneva (Fries) Stahlhut on March 10, 1940 in Marion. She graduated 8^th grade from Davis Prairie school and completed her public education at Crab Orchard High School in 1958. In the same year, Carol Ann married her high school sweetheart, Charles Eugene Parton, reaching their 62^nd anniversary on August 1, 2020.

In childhood, Carol Ann began her fellowship with Christ Jesus at Zion United Church of Christ in Marion. She continued her Christian walk in the Free Will Baptist denomination at Arnold View FWB Church in Creal Springs where she became a bride and was a willing worker and organist for many years. In her latter years, she joined Pittsburg FWB Church in Pittsburg.

When she was not being a stay-at-home mom and homemaker, Carol Ann worked at the Bank of Marion. There, she made friends with whom she celebrated yearly birthdays at Bennie’s Italian Food, just a short walk from the downtown bank.

She was a lifelong resident of what is commonly referred to by relatives as Stahlhutsville. From days spent at her grandfather’s knee during the war to her greatest earthly achievement, mother and wife, Carol made fond memories while living a country-girl life. It is the place where she and her parents gathered together both large reunions and intimate mealtimes around their bounteous table. After her mother’s passing, Carol became the family touchstone. To them she was a welcoming spring of love and is irreplaceable.

To friends, women and men, young and old, Carol gave gifts of kindness and boundless joy. Her welcoming smile and ever-listening ear were priceless. In midlife, she was one of the Sister Chicks, long-time intimate friends who traveled the countryside in search of nothing more than fun.

Carol was a devoted wife who gave all she had to make her marriage a good one. For her children, she was, in all ways, the consummate, loving mother. She transported them to and attended little league and school sports, music and art lessons. Then she flung herself to far-off places to help her young adults in any way she could.

She is survived by her loving husband, Charles E. Parton, adoring children, Randy Parton and daughter-in-law, Kathy (Norton) Parton, of Highland, Illinois, and Rhonda Kay Parton of Marion and brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Denise Stahlhut. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom she cherished.

Memorial services will be held at 12pm on Friday, March 19, 2021 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion with Rev. Eddie Donelson officiating. Inurnment will follow at Davis Prairie Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held from 10-12pm on Friday, March 19, 2021 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. Carol requested memorial contributions be made to Davis Prairie Cemetery or Pittsburg Free Will Baptist Church in Pittsburg, IL. Due to the moment in which we are living, the family respectfully requests all who would like to attend to please wear face coverings.