Mary L. "Petie" Parsons

Mary “Petie” Lucille Parsons, 68, of Gladstone, Illinois, died at 10:36 a.m. Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at West Burlington Hospice Home, West Burlington, Iowa.

Petie was born March 18, 1958, in Burlington, the daughter of Richard M. “Tex” and Florence Mae (Seitz) Stewart. Petie graduated from Union High School and completed beauty school in Burlington.

On November 28, 1981, in Gladstone, Petie was united in marriage to Wendell A. Parsons. Surviving Petie is her husband of 45 years, Wendell of Gladstone, sons Brian (Angie) Stewart of Monmouth, Illinois and Justin (Megan) Parsons of Biggsville, Illinois; and four grandchildren, Caitlyn, Chance, and Carly Stewart, and Marshall Parsons. Petie is also survived by two brothers, Fred Stewart of Galesburg and David (Lori) Stewart of Gladstone; one sister, Laura (John) Anderson of Taylor Ridge, Illinois; five nieces, Lindsay Anderson, Brandi (Brad) Walker, Alissa Anderson, Ashley (Kaleb) Gemmell, and Megan (Trevor) Dillavou; and special family, Carol and Scott Henry and their daughters, Kailee, Kaisey, Kaydielynn. Her loss is also felt deeply by the countless lives she touched and considered her “kids” throughout her life and career. Petie was preceded in death by her parents.

Her love of children guided her into a 38-year career as a teachers aid first at Union Schools and was still working at West Central Schools. Petie was an avid reader and a past high school track coach, but her greatest love was her grandchildren and watching them compete in their sports and other activities. Petie served as a volunteer EMT in Gladstone for 25 years as well as being a dedicated supporter of the volunteer fire department in Gladstone for many years.

Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 15, 2026, at Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Oquawka, Illinois. Funeral services will follow Monday at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oquawka Cemetery, Oquawka, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gladstone Fire Department. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.