Mary L. (Perry) Parks, age 84 of Elwood, died peacefully on January 8, 2015 at her residence in Elwood following a brief illness. She was born April 19, 1930 in Elwood (at the same residence), the daughter of Ella Mae Perry. Mary was a graduate of Elwood High School in the class of 1948. In recent years, she was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Elwood where she enjoyed attending bible study. She was formerly very active in the Democrat party and worked during elections in various capacities. Mary especially enjoyed serving and working community meals both at the church, and the Elwood End-of-month community meal program. More than anything, she enjoyed talking on the telephone with her extended family and friends. Mary will be remembered for knitting hundreds of scarves for local children, and helping to organize an annual Christmas party for the children of the Knightstown Children's Home in cooperation with the Elwood Elks Lodge.

Mary's extended family includes Ruth Wann of Elwood, Maurice Wann of Anderson, Rebecca Cunningham of Elwood, Judy (Goodrick) and husband, Robert Heying of South Bend, Virgie (Boyer) Mast of Port Charlotte, FL, and Karen Mann of Elwood; special friends, Lester Smith, Steve and Barbara Smith, and Corey and Sonya May; and her church family at the First United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her mother and a beloved cousin, Richard Wann.

Funeral services for Mary will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Jennifer Charles officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 prior to the funeral at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the First United Methodist Church Community Meal Fund – 1500 North A Street, Elwood, IN 46036. Online condolences may be made at copherfeslermay.com.