ST. LOUIS — Leona Parrish was born on Feb. 6, 1921, the same year White Castle, her favorite fast food restaurant, was founded. And as in years past, her family is buying her a Crave Case to celebrate, something her granddaughter-in-law Jodie Parrish, said is an “extra treat.”
Leona was reared on a farm down a plank road outside Freeburg, Illinois, at the same time White Castle founder Billy Ingram was building the world’s first fast food chain and pioneering the concept of takeout with just $700.
Leona married her high school sweetheart, Hershel Parrish Sr., and spent 50 years with him before he passed away. The couple had two sons, Bruce and Hershel Jr. And although Bruce died at just 19 years old from a drunk-driving accident, Leona considers raising her sons the biggest accomplishment of her life…