Merita Parsons, 82-year-old Woodward resident, passed away Thursday, August 19, 2021, in Woodward, Oklahoma. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 24, 2021, in the Faith United Methodist Church with Reverend Scott Ware officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery with the Billings Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family ask that memorial contributions be made to Faith United Methodist Church with the funeral home accepting the contributions.
Merita Meryle (Haskins) Parsons was born on May 18, 1939, in Mooreland, Oklahoma, the daughter of Admiral Vorice and Ruby Meryle (Munsell) Haskins. Merita and her family lived on the farm for a short time before moving into Mooreland. She attended Mooreland Schools and graduated from Mooreland High School in 1957. Merita was united in marriage to Dan Parsons on October 29, 1961, at the First Baptist Church in Mooreland, Oklahoma. They made their home in an apartment in Woodward. Merita and Dan moved to a house on three acres acquired from an uncle, and they lived in that house their entire married life. They were blessed with three sons, Dan, Don, and Lon. While her boys were young she was a full time stay-at-home mom. When she enrolled her youngest son in school, she also began working for Woodward Public Schools for the next 21 years.
After raising her family and retiring from the school system, Merita helped her best friend and partner in crime, Janet Fitz, at the flower shop, candy store, and the café. She was well known in Woodward for her chicken salad sandwiches and cheeseburger soup.
Merita and Dan enjoyed their cabin at the Great Salt Plains Lake, where they made many memories throughout the years.
She was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church. She helped organize the funeral dinners for the church for over 30 years. Merita also taught Sunday School and helped out where ever needed at the church.
Merita is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Dan Parsons of the home; three sons, Danny Parsons and wife Caryl, of Yukon; Donnie Parsons and wife Terri, of Alva; Lonnie Parsons and wife Denise, of Woodward; grandchildren, Dr. Eric Parsons and fiancé Dr. Krysten Jackson; Max Parsons; Joe Parsons; Lonna Tune and husband Tyler; and Landree Parsons; great-grandchild, Leddy Tune; brothers, Lester Haskins and wife Glenda, of Mooreland; Dale Haskins, of Woodward; sisters-in-law, Vera Haskins, of Mooreland; and Joan Miller, of Edmond; special friend, Janet Fitz; several nieces, nephews, other family and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Arnold Haskins; sister, Eda Faye Yauck; and sister-in-law, Janice Haskins.
Remembrances may be shared online at http://www.billingsfuneralhomewoodward.com.
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