Carol Elaine Parmley

Carol Elaine Parmley, age 94, formerly of LaPorte and most recently of Rochester, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on November 18, 1931, in Hammond, Indiana, Carol was the cherished daughter of the late Floyd L. Mills and Youthel (Jones) Mills. On February 15, 1948, she married the love of her life, Raymond Parmley, with whom she shared a lifetime of devotion until his passing in 1996.

Carol lived a life defined by love—love for her family, her faith, and especially for animals. A devoted animal lover, she owned and operated her own business, Carol’s Poodle Trim and Boarding, on the outskirts of LaPorte. Her home and heart were always full, at one time caring for as many as 42 dogs, most of them beloved poodles and schnauzers. Her compassion extended to all creatures, from parrots to even a spider monkey, reflecting a spirit that delighted in nurturing life in all its forms.

She and her husband shared a love of travel, spending cherished time in Florida, particularly in Fort Myers, where they created many lasting memories together. Over the years, Carol made her home in Gary, LaPorte, Fort Myers, and eventually Rochester, where she lived near her daughter. Wherever she resided, she carried with her a steadfast faith, being a devoted member of the Church of God in both Michigan City and Rochester.

Carol was a woman of creativity and quiet industry. She found joy in crocheting baby blankets, knitting, quilting, and crafting beautiful keepsakes. She kept her mind sharp with word searches and her heart content by tending to birds and surrounding herself with plants, especially in later years when she could no longer garden outdoors. She also had a distinct sense of style, always presenting herself with grace and care—an elegance that left a lasting impression on those who knew her.

To her family, she was a constant source of love, wisdom, and comfort. Her granddaughter lovingly recalled:

“Today we said goodbye to my grandma at 94. She was my last living grandparent, and someone who has been such a constant in my life. She lived next door to me since I was 4 years old, and my childhood is filled with memories of her doing family dinners, little visits, and just always knowing she was right there. She spent many years going on vacation with my parents and I.

Before she moved next door, she lived in Ft. Myers, and we would visit often. Even then, she and my grandpa made sure I felt their love every day by sending me a postcard every SINGLE day. I remember how excited I would be to run to the mailbox, just knowing something from them would be waiting for me.

My grandma was a woman of deep faith, full of wisdom and love for the Lord. It showed in everything she did. She was incredibly creative making beautiful things out of shells, crocheting blankets, and spending hours tending to her flower beds and feeding the birds. When her health no longer allowed her to be outside, she filled her home with plants and took such pride in caring for them.

She was also so stylish, always being put together, everything matching perfectly. It’s something I’ve always admired about her and tried to carry with me over the years.

It feels so fitting that she went to be with the Lord on the first day of spring, on such a warm, beautiful, sunny day.

I will miss her deeply, but I am so thankful for every memory, every lesson, and every moment I was blessed to have with her.”

Carol’s legacy of love lives on in her family. She is survived by her four children: Terry Parmley (Penny), Wayne Parmley (Jenny), Randy Parmley (Marilee), and Sue Trigg (the late Don); her sisters-in-law, Carol Hathaway and Margaret Mills; ten grandchildren, Trevor Parmley, Jeremy Parmley (Heather), Jason Parmley (Samantha), Tracy Parmley, Tony Parmley (Chantel), Angel Hartford (the late Adam), Jeremy Wilson, Ashlee Kline (Alex), Mike Trigg (Jen) and Jason Trigg; thirty-four great-grandchildren; fifteen great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Raymond; her brother, Gene Mills; her sister, Marlene Watson; her granddaughter, Crystal Parmley; her grandson, Chris Trigg; and her great-grandson, Zach Trigg.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Haverstock Funeral Home & Cremation Services, with visitation from 11:00 AM until the time of service. Burial will immediately follow at Pine Lake Cemetery.

Carol’s life was one of devotion, creativity, and enduring love—a beautiful testament to faith, family, and the quiet joys that make a life well lived.