Lela Parkhurst

Lela Mae (Brady) Parkhurst, 91, a resident of the Groves in Independence, MO passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2006 at the Independence Regional Health Care Center. She was born on August 20, 1915 to Joseph King and Sephronia (Stewart) Brady in Dewey, OK. Lela was married Bert Cleo Parkhurst, he preceded her in death in April of 1999. Mrs. Parkhurst grew up on a ranch in Northern Oklahoma and began teaching at a one-room schoolhouse. She taught at the Hudson rural school west of Welch in 1935-1936, then moved to Ottawa County teaching at South Fairview for two years which time her and Bert were married. Returning to Craig County and establishing their home in Vinita, she taught at Timber Hill and for many years at Dupree School before moving into the Vinita City System. She taught in the Junior High, and later in the Senior High school and finally the last twenty years in the school system served as High School Counselor at Vinita High School. She retired in 1977 after forty years in the field of education. Twenty-Eight of those years were in Vinita. Lela was an active supporter of the Community of Christ Church and their youth camping program, the Vinita Senior Citizen's as well as many other community programs during her many years living in Vinita. She leaves behind a son Jeff Parkhurst and his wife Sherry of Farmington, MN, a son Joe Parkhurst and his wife Debra of Poteau, OK, a daughter, Sue Wood and her husband Melvin of Independence, MO. Her grandchildren include Sean Wood of Independence, MO, Kelley Sue and Andy Boak of Raymore, MO, Lisa and David Hammel of Arlington, TX, Scott and Christy Parkhurst of Eureka, CA and several Great-grandchildren. Services will be 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 23, 2006 at the Luginbuel Funeral Home Chapel with Elder Arnie Walker officiating. Interment will follow in the Welch Cemetery under the direction of the Luginbuel Funeral Home in Vinita. Visitation will be on Friday, September 22, 2006 from 6:00 PM until 7:00PM and then Saturday, September 23, 2006 from 10:00 AM until 12 Noon at the Luginbuel Funeral Home. Casketbearers will be the grandchildren, Lisa Hammel, Sean Wood, Kelley Boak, Andy Boak and Scott Parkhurst. Honorary Bearers will be David Hammel and Christy Parkhurst The family has ask that memorial Donations be made to Outreach International through the Community of Christ Church which can be sent in care of the Luginbuel Funeral Home. Online Condolences may be sent to www.honoringmemories.com

Service Details

Saturday, September 23rd, 2006 1:00pm, Luginbuel Funeral Home

Interment Details