Mary Kate Parris, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, joined the Lord’s heavenly choir on April 19, 2023, in Oviedo, Florida, surrounded by loved ones.
She was born on July 8, 1936, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Charles Hilleary Rudy and Mary Ann Everett Rudy.
Katy grew up in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, and was widely known as the town’s Ford dealer’s daughter. She attended Sand Springs High School’s Class of ’54, and following a long family tradition, was an outgoing and adventurous Girl Scout. Later on in life, she would become a Life Member and dedicated Girl Scout Troop leader.
After high, school she attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas, for one year before transferring to the University of Tulsa, where she graduated and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, the Delta Pi chapter.
Shortly after graduation, Katy married her high school sweetheart, Major Bill Edward Parris. They were married for over 55 years. Bill’s love for Katy was palpable to everyone who knew them. Together, they traveled the world raising their three children, Jane, John, and William.
Katy spent many years exploring Europe, making lifelong friends along the way. Her home was always full of treasures from her adventures and there was always a story to be told that involved food, family, and friends. Katy was a great host, cook, and entertainer; she was the life of the party everywhere she went and a friend to all. Her joyful spirit was contagious and she never left a room without making a lasting impression of the importance of having a life filled with fun and laughter.
Katy was also passionate about teaching. She taught for 31 years as a middle school English and drama teacher at military DOD schools in Germany, Battle Creek, Michigan, and back home in Sand Springs, inspiring countless students with her love of English and drama.
For over 50 years, Katy was an active member of Broadway Baptist church, serving in the choir and as a Sunday school teacher. She was a talented singer, using her memorable voice to share her favorite hymns with everyone who listened.
Katy was a patriotic American who belonged to many service organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), where she served as Regent of the Osage Hills Chapter for six years. She was a member of the National Society United States Daughters of 1812, the National Society Daughters of the American Colonists, the National Society Children of the American Revolution, the National Society Magna Charta Dames, the National Society of Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. Her dedication to these organizations, specifically to DAR, has left a legacy for her family to carry on.
In 1969, Katy was selected as Outstanding Young Woman for America, honored for her achievements in community service, religious and political activities, and in professional endeavors.
Katy spent the last nine years of her life living with her family in Oviedo, Florida. During her time in Florida she enjoyed the sun, water, music, and local attractions. Even in this stage of life she made new friends during her many adventures around the sunshine state.
She is survived by her three children, Jane Hertz, John Parris, and William (Melissa) Parris; seven grandchildren, Rebecca (Aaron) Dobo, Catherine (Clint) Powell, Elizabeth (Britton) Kran, Lydia, Matthew, Reese Benge, and Sophia Parris; and three great-grandchildren, James Powell, Lillian Powell, and Alaska Sky. Katy was preceded in death by the love of her life, Bill Parris.
His love for her is beautifully expressed in a letter he wrote to her while they were in college:
“I’ll be thinking of you and counting the minutes until I see you. You’re right about love growing stronger with absence, but then so does loneliness. Dearest, you mean a lot to me, so take care of yourself and never forget that you are the one shining light in a dim sky to a certain lucky boy. Love you, Bill”
Mary Kate Parris will be deeply missed by all who knew her. But we take solace in knowing she has been reunited with her heavenly family. Her legacy as a devoted mother, loving grandmother, passionate teacher, forever friend, and proud patriot will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.