Thais Ann (Haley) Parilek died at age 93 years, 6 months, and 12 days on February 22, 2007 after a brief illness complicating her Alzheimer's disease.

Thais, born on August 10, 1913, was the youngest of the seven children of John C. and Jesse (Arthaud) Haley. She graduated from Holbrook High School and then from the University of Nebraska where she had been a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. Trained as a math teacher, she taught in a variety of Nebraska schools including country schools near her hometown, Taylor, and Plattsmouth. She married John L. Parilek, a fellow teacher at Taylor, NE, on February 4, 1942 prior to his Army Air Force deployment. She continued to teach during World War II after following her husband to Florida and Mississippi. Although she never taught regularly after the arrival of her three children, she was a lifelong advocate of the power of education. Reading and spending time with her family were two of her favorite activities.

Preceding Thais in death were her son, John R.; her husband, John L.; and all her siblings. She is survived by two daughters, Mary Roberts with husband, Richard of Waukegan, IL; and Janet Bumgarner with husband, Don of Shenandoah, IA; five grandchildren, Bryan Roberts with wife, Lisa, and son, Jackson of Chicago, IL, Jennifer Roberts of Chicago, IL, Sean Roberts of Chicago, IL, BJ Bumgarner of Omaha, NE, and Jessica A. Bumgarner of Shenandoah, IA. She is also mourned by numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, March 16, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary' Catholic Church in Shenandoah. Celebrant was Rev. Vern Smith. Serving as lector was Richard Haigwood. Organist was Mary Beth Gowing and vocalists were Sue Hanna and Jane Emge. Attending the memory register was Isabella Hanzlick. Usher was Bud Jorgensen. Inurnment will be in the Arapahoe, Nebraska Cemetery at a later date. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah was in charge of the arrangements.