Zelpha Ruth Parker

1925 - 2022

Zelpha Ruth Parker

Zelpha Ruth (Harrison) Parker entered the world on September 20, 1925, the youngest of four children. She was born and raised in York, NE. She played the cello in the school orchestra through high school. She attended one year of college. She moved to Tulsa, OK in 1951, seeking warmer weather. She was a secretary at Gulf Oil for several years. She met her future husband in a singles class at church. Zelpha Ruth and Charles S. Parker, Jr. were married on November 8, 1952. They were blessed with three children. She found her true calling as a Mother Extraordinaire, happily serving as Homeroom Mother, Cub Scout Den Mother, taxi service for dance and piano lessons, sewing both costumes and most of her daughter's clothes. She was a wonderful cook, and extraordinary hostess. Always ready to lend an ear and give hugs, she was like a mother to many of her kid's friends. Zelpha Ruth became passionately involved in politics: first as Precinct Chairman, then as a member and also President of Lynn Lane Republican Women's Club, and finally starting the Lilah D. Lindsey Republican Women's Club. Zelpha Ruth was a charter member of the Oklahoma First Ladies, was First District Chairman of OFRW, and was equally active in the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW). She held the position of Protocol Chairman both in OFRW, and NFRW. She was a member of Regents, a special part of NFRW, where she attended coffees in the White House and met Mrs. Nixon, Mrs. Ford, Mrs. Reagan, and both Mrs. Bushes. Sadly, she was too ill to meet Mrs. Trump. Later in life, she started painting, showing an amazing talent. She enjoyed ballroom dancing, and was a wonderful dancer. She truly loved animals, and over the years treated her many dogs, cats, and a parrot as her children. In the early hours of Sunday, August 28, 2022, her bright light became a shining star, as she left her pain behind and slipped into the arms of Jesus. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Swindell Parker Jr., parents, Lota Zozonia and Walter John Harrison, brother and sister-in-law Harold Denny and Catherine Harrison, two sisters, Laura Ailene and Lila Peace Harrison, and son, Robert Harold Parker. She is survived by her daughter, Joan Lola (Parker) Siple, son, John Charles Parker, son-in-law, Don Siple, and grandson, Benjamin Charles Siple. Zelpha Ruth's Celebration of Life will be 1:00 PM Thursday, September 15, 2022 at Yale Ave Presbyterian Church. Entombment: Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow, OK. After the service there will be a reception at Evergreen Church, 10301 E. 111th Street, Bixby, OK. In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to the Salvation Army, Disabled American Veterans, the American Cancer Society, or charity of their choice. Moore's Eastlawn Chapel, 918-622-1155www.moorefuneral.com