Nan passed away peacefully at her home in Helena on August 7, 2024, of natural causes, surrounded by her family. She was 91.
Nan was born in Billings, Montana on June 14, 1933, to L.P. Barney and Alice “Dora” Niswanger. Nan graduated from Helena High School and attended Greeley, CO and Montana State College, where she majored in Art History.
On January 8, 1954, Nan married the love of her life, W. L. “Ben” Parriman. They had five children: two daughters and three sons. Nan and Ben were married for over 45 years, before his death in 1999. As Nan always said, “It’s always an adventure with “Ben.”
After college graduation, Ben and Nan moved to Helena and eventually owned her father’s company, L.P. Barney Construction. Nan assisted as office manager and bookkeeper.
After Ben’s passing in 1999, Nan reconnected with Arnie Herrin at her 50-year high school reunion. They married in 2002 until his death in 2003.
Nan loved her family above all else. There were many outdoor adventures hunting, fishing and camping. She loved to play her ukulele, with Ben on his guitar, singing to family and friends. She always commented that she had the best family in the world. She would sing verses of her favorite songs to everyone she met. Nan was also an amazing artist and painter. She taught some of her grandkids how to paint and she passed down her artistic abilities to many of them. The grandkids loved getting her hand-sewn Christmas pillowcases filled with goodies every year.
Nan was preceded in death by her husbands, Ben and Arnie; her daughter, Dallas Christman (Parriman); and most recently, her great-grandson, Bearett (Baby Bear). She is survived by her children: Marc Parriman (Lorry), Cassey Parriman (Wally), Matt Parriman (Barbie), and Corey Parriman (Jona); her 13 grandchildren: Gina, Ryann, Willie, Lucas, Cory, Kristyna, Lauren, Benny, Laini, Corben, Ashlyn, Seth and Kayla; and her 12 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at Jerry’s Pond at 5827 W. US Highway 12, Helena MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday September 29, 2024
Jerry's Pond
5827 W. US HWY 12
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday September 29, 2024
Jerry's Pond
5827 W. US HWY 12
Helena, Montana 59601
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Lorry Parriman says
Nan was the best mother-in-law ever! We had a lot of adventures in the 50+ years I’ve known her. The nicest lady you’ll ever meet with an energizer bunny spark that kept everyone hopping. We will miss her dearly. “See you later alligator”. Lorry
Marci R Turney says
Cassie and family, so sorry to see this. So many memories of sleep overs at their house. Sending love and hugs Marci
Barb Heaney Marcoux says
She was a beautiful lady inside and outside! She was a second Mom to many! I will miss my yearly Christmas card.
Rest in peace and reunite with those you loved and lost way too early! Carrying you in my heart forever❤
Colleen Nichols says
Parriman family, Nan was such a kind. wonderful woman who raised an incredible family! She will leave a huge hole in the lives of all who were blessed to know her. Our condolences to you. Love, Colleen and Dan Nichols
Jackie Floding MacDonald says
Matt and Corey sorry to see the passing of your mom, she was a wonderful lady! Treasure the memories.
Kryss says
Parriman clan,
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of the matriarch of the family. There are not enough words to express my deepest condolences. She was quite the mom, so many wonderful memories of growing up with the Parriman family. I’ll never forget your German Shepard dog, being called out by the magpie bird squawking out the dogs name “Tinker” 😳 Nothing was “normal” nor dull spending time with the Parrimans. You all hold a special place in my heart ❤️ Especially sweet Nan, one of a kind lady 😘 Keep her and her fabulous spirit in your hearts as you navigate this new path. God Speed Nan, say HI to Ben and Dallas for me! Love and hugs to you all. Take care 🤟
Aimee K says
Cousins, so sorry to hear about Aunt Nan.
I always loved running into her, in her older age, running about town so independently.
I have some great memories visiting her and Uncle Benny at the old house on Cooney.
Take care and love you all.
Aimee
diane T. willliams says
Nan was a special person, always upbeat, with that beautiful smile.
She was a great athlete, I ought to know, I was always on the Opposite(losing) team!
The ladies of our High School class had lunch several years, and it was good to see everyone. It was really fun to have a “romance” at our 50th class reunion. We were all so sorry that Arnie died so soon, they were having such a good time.
We send our deepest sympathy, Diane and Budd
Julie Bicknell Schweitz says
My Aunt Nan, was a lovely lady who always welcomed us into her home when we came to visit. I have so many memories of fun times on Cooney drive with Uncle Benny and Aunt Nan. I think one Summer Matty and I ate all her fresh garden peas right off the vine, They were delicious and she didn’t get mad. It was at the grocery store that I would run into her most often around town. You were a big part of my childhood Aunt Nan. love you always ❣️
DeLeo Barney Rickman says
I’m so sorry to hear of Nan’s passing. My condolences to all you kids, grandkids and great grandkids. Nana was a beautiful person, inside and out.
Steve and Jeri Mosby and family says
Nan was the best. And will be so missed. Jeri Bunn Mosby and her family have a long relationship with the Parrimens and love ❤️ them Nan will be missed may she RIP. Love the helena Mosby’s Marc Cassie and all of you stay strong the lose is real she would want u to be strong
Brenda Lindlief Hall says
Cassey and Family-
Sending deepest condolences. You were fortunate to have such a great mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Thinking of you,
Brenda
KATHLEEN VAN METER says
NAN WAS A GRACIOUS AND TALENTED WOMAN. EVEN AS A HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN SHE SHARED HER TALENTS. SHE WAS GOOD IN SPORTS AND VERY GOOD IN ART. THESE SKILLS WERE ALWAYS WITH HER. IN RECENT YEARS, ANY TIME I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET TO HELENA, IT ALWAYS INCLUDED A GET-TOGETHER WITH NAN (USUALLY AT THE PARROT). WE ALL HAVE SUCH HAPPY MEMORIES OF THIS OUTSTANDING WOMAN.
Kathleen Morrison says
Corey, Jona & family,
Nan was a gentle loving woman- Bob’s Dad (John) was her classmate and kept up regularly w her over the many years. Ben was my softball coach for a few years in high school and so great! Dallas just made me laugh w her smile and sense of humor: they can finally be together, again♥️ what a wonderful woman Nan was. I know you’ll miss her so much. God’s comfort to all of you- our thoughts & blessings,
Bob & Kathy Morrison
Stephanie Bicknell Fantini says
So sorry to hear of the passing of Aunt Nan. She was so wonderful and always so nice to me. She would be the one I’d hide behind when Uncle Benny would come to throw me up into the skylight at the house on Cooney Drive. Each summer I would get picked up to plant the planters once all the kids were out of the house and it was my job to get the driveway looking nice (and I was the one Bicknell kid who wasn’t into flowers and gardening). She will certainly be missed. As I got older and moved away I didn’t get to see Aunt Nan as much as I wanted. I will miss her smile. Love you all. Thank you for sharing your wonderful mother with each of us.
Stephanie and Family.
Jim and Leslie Darfler says
Marc and Lorrie,
So sorry for your loss. Nan sounds like a special lady. We wish we could have known her. We pray that you find comfort in all the sweet memories you have of her.
Jim and Leslie Darfler