Cathy Parkhurst

Cathy Parkhurst, 71, passed away at Sanford Health, Bismarck, on April 3, 2021.

Cremation has taken place and no services will be held.

Cathy was born and raised in southern California.  Cathy and Bernie moved to ND in 2002 after the birth of their granddaughter, and a solemn promise to Bernie that he would never have to change a diaper (which we’re happy to stay still stands true today.)

Cathy’s education was based in child development and she worked for many years in elementary schools as a reading specialist.  She was an avid reader herself and ignited her own sons love of reading.  She was very creative with the photos she took, blankets she made, and various arts and craft projects she was continuously working on.  Her last few years involved planting enough tomatoes to drive Bernie to find the perfect salsa recipe.

Memories are now what we have (as we all know she hated having her picture taken.)  She will be missed by all of us including her animal friends -wild and domestic.  We figure she was met by lots of animals that went before her like Peavey, Ziggy, Tony and Teddy, Rosie the Tarantula, not to forget about the squirrels, baby bunnies, and birds that crossed her path.

Cathy is survived by her husband of 24 years, Bernie Parkhurst, Mandan; her son, David (Lisa) Shaff, San Diego, CA; daughter, Jennifer Shaff, Mandan; three grandchildren, Kyle, Emmalee, and Kevin Shaff; and her cat, Zoey.

Cathy was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Daniel Shaff; her father William Vandever; and her brother, Glenn Vandever.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in her name to the Central Dakota Humane Society.