Obituary for Marva Parnell

Marva Leeta Parnell, resident of Ponca City, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday morning, May 28, 2015 in Bartlesville. She was 81 years of age.

Marva was born October 20, 1933 in Oklahoma City, the daughter of William M. Sanders and Virginia Ala (McGee) Sanders. She was a 1951 graduate of Crooked Oak High School in Oklahoma City. She was married to Johnnie Parnell Sr. on November 20, 1953 in Oklahoma City. In earlier years she was employed as a Southwestern Bell telephone operator, admissions clerk at the Ponca City hospital and 20 plus years selling Avon.

In her youth she was a member of the Temple Baptist Church in Oklahoma City where she was saved. Her enjoyments were her grandchildren, music and art, visiting with friends and singing duets with her kids and grandkids. She had belonged to a singing trio in earlier years that sang at churches, various events and had recorded campaign jingles for various politicians.

She is survived by her husband Johnnie, of the home; one son Johnnie Parnell Jr. and wife Jammie, of Bartlesville, three daughters, DeeAnne Ruggs and husband Glenn, of Glenpool, Oklahoma, Loree Parnell of Ponca City and Lisa Renee Robison and husband Robbie, of Ponca City; nine grandchildren, Sean Love, Shannon Love, Emily Ruggs, Jenny Ruggs, Brian Knapke, Melissa Knapke, Jon Parnell, Jenna Parnell and Jordyn Parnell; four great grandchildren, Junith Knapke, Madelyn Love, Tucker Love and Marley Love; other extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Jeroma Dean Sanderson.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 1, 2015 at Grace Memorial Chapel with Rev. Dennis Wildman presiding. Interment will be in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.

Casket bearers are Brian Knapke, Sean Love, Jon Parnell, Robbie Robison, Glenn Ruggs and Cole Weaver.

Memorial fund contributions may be made to the memorial fund of choice.