Miss Carmen Beulah Parks, 101, of Chalmers, died Saturday, July 18, 2009 at Whispering Pines Nursing Home in Monticello. She had been in Whispering Pines for 8 months. Prior to that she lived the last six years in Lakeview Commons Assisted Living in Monticello. She was born November 29, 1907 in Scott County, Indiana to the late Othello "O.C" and Mary "Effie" (Wilson) Parks. She was a 1925 graduate of Chalmers High School and then completed Madam Blakers Teacher's training and later graduated from Indiana State University. Miss Parks began teaching in 1927 and taught for 45 consecutive years for either Chalmers or Frontier before retiring in 1972. She taught elementary classes, mostly 3rd grade. She enjoyed farm living and continued vegetable and flower gardening, canning and freezing after moving to town. Carmen's love of teaching and daily reading never left her. She enjoyed tutoring young students in her home into her 90's. A long time member of Chalmers Community Church she participated in Women's Christian Fellowship and Bible study groups. She started the town library and enjoyed volunteering there. Carmen was a caring neighbor and friend and was always doing good deeds for those in need. Surviving are two nieces; Betty DeVault of Reynolds and Regina Parks of Columbus, OH; and two nephews; Robert S. Parks of Austin, IN and Jerry VanVoorst (wife: Pat) of Monticello. Also surviving are many great-nieces and nephews and their families. Preceding her in death are 3 sisters, Barbara VanVoorst, Blanche Grenert and Lula Parks and 5 brothers, Stanley, Ivan, Merle, Wilson and Lloyd. Also preceding her in death are her nieces, Mary Catherine McCool (of Austin) and Evelyn Keys (of Monon) and a nephew, Jim VanVoorst (of Wolcott). Friends may call from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston and also from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at the Chalmers Community Church; Rev. William R. Henderson to officiate. Interment to follow in Chalmers Cemetery. Memorials may be made in her name to the White County Food Pantry or charity of donor's choice.