Tulip J. "Tullie" or "TJ" Parks, age 89, of Granger, passed away peacefully with her daughter at her side on March 22, 2011 at The Sanctuary at Holy Cross in South Bend. Tullie was born March 25, 1921 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin to the late Elmer and Mildred (Baumgartner) DeLap. On May 19, 1945, she married Frank Parks. He preceded her in death, passing away in December of 2005.

Surviving are her children, John F. (Pamela) Parks of Osceola, Robert C. (Nancy) Parks of Deltona, Florida, and Janet Lee (Bill) Fries of Granger. Also surviving is her brother Richard (Elaine) DeLap of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and six grandchildren; Sandy (Scotti) Horne, Sara (Stephan) Clariday, Heather (Mike) Nimon, Jennifer (Filberto) Duarte, Shannon (Jimmy) Humphrey, and Eric Fries. TJ is survived as well by eight great grandchildren. Preceding her in death was her son Ron Blechl and her siblings, Elwood DeLap, Marianne Fuller, Helen DeLap, Isabelle Baldwin and Genevieve Nelson.

Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the 1:00 pm Funeral Service on Friday, March 25, 2011 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola, Indiana. Interment will follow in Harris Prairie Cemetery in Granger.

TJ was self employed for many years as a beautician until her retirement in the early 80''s. She enjoyed traveling and camping with her family, and was an avid reader. She also was involved with the Harris Township Volunteer Fire Department for many years, and was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW Post #360 in Mishawaka.

In her youth, TJ was involved with the Salvation Army, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to them in her memory.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.chapelhillmemorial.com.

"Your hand in mine, my hand in yours, our fingers forever intertwined until we see each other again"