Harriet Jean Parmley
April 25, 1940 - July 18, 2021

After 81 wonderful years, Harriet Jean Parmley passed away in Phoenix, AZ on July 18, 2021. She was born to Pauline and Harry Dunn in Glenwood, IA and was raised with her older sister and two younger brothers in Atlantic, IA where she graduated from high school in 1957 alongside her sweetheart, Ron Parmley. She went on to graduate from the University of Iowa with a BS in Dental Hygiene, a career that she practiced for 40 years. As such, she literally and figuratively brightened many smiles. Harriet and Ron were married in 1961 in Atlantic and remained happily together until her passing. They raised 3 children and have 8 grandchildren. They lived for many years in Grinnell, IA where Harriet worked and cared for her family. She loved weekends at Lake Rathbun where she would not only slalom ski, but drive the boat while Ron skied. The family still laughs at her boat driving skills as they were a bit unorthodox, but always successful. She also loved to eat out with the family, take walks (to the railroad tracks and back), watch her kids in their many events, go on family vacations, and take trips on the Goldwing motorcycle with Ron. After 55 years in IA, she moved to Phoenix, AZ with Ron in 1995 where she practiced dental hygiene for more years (passing the AZ state boards 30+ years after graduating!). In AZ, she enjoyed many new experiences with her family. Although she could not recall many of these happy memories when she passed, her loving family has saved them for her and takes comfort in knowing that she once again has full clarity of her special time here.
She is survived by her wonderful husband and her 3 loving daughters: Robin Parmley (Pat Finley), Becky Russell (Mike Russell), and Dawn Parmley. A private celebration was held with her family. Her ashes will be kept and comingled with Ron's when he leaves this earth to be with her again. She will truly be missed and is loved beyond words by her family!

Tributes