Birdie Elizabeth Parsons, 68, of Sterling, passed away Aug. 7, 2012, in Brush. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 9, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 10, at First Baptist Church, with the Rev. John E. Roberts officiating. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery.

Birdie was born Nov. 19, 1943, in Sterling to John W. and Ruby I. (Myers) Held. She graduated from high school.

On April 23, 1967, she married Raymond J. Parsons.

She was a member of First Baptist Church.

Birdie volunteered at the local nursing homes, giving her time and her heart for the residents.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond J. Parsons of Sterling; children, Kathy Swingle and husband Darney of Sterling, Judy Florian and husband Keith of Brush, Jim Parsons and wife Julie K. of Conifer, Julie Rachelle Evans and husband Preston Gillmore of Rockville, Md., June Parsons of Fairfax, Va.; brothers, Harry Held and wife Dorothy of Sterling and David Held of Calhan; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and grandchildren, Richard "Richie" Florian and Brandi Evans.

Memorials may be made to Birdie Parsons Memorial.