Polly Ward Parnell

Polly Ward Parnell, age 95, of Holland and Temple died on Monday, July 8, 2024 in Temple. Born in Pampa, Texas on October 15, 1928, and growing up in Pampa and Canadian, Texas, Polly always had a deep love for the Texas Panhandle. She attended North Texas University in Denton and on June 1, 1950 married Ben Parnell in Canadian. They resided in Canadian until 1962 when they moved to Bartlett, Texas. In 1968 they moved to the country near Holland where the Home Place remains.

Polly was an Elder and Deacon at Grace Presbyterian Church, Temple, where she was a member for over 60 years. She served as a leader for the Thursday morning Bible Study for many years and was on the Board of Directors of First Bank & Trust Co. in Bartlett from 1963 – 1997. One of her proudest achievements was serving as President of Ronald McDonald House in Temple.

Survivors include her daughter, Jeanne Parnell Douglas of San Antonio; her son, Rob Parnell and wife Sara of Trophy Club; grandchildren, Grant Parnell Douglas and wife Shelby of San Antonio; Bradley Benson Parnell and wife Lacy of Keller; Samuel Quinn Parnell and wife Meredith of Willowpark; Polly Parnell Hardwick and husband Tyler of Argyle; great-grandchildren, Jentry Douglas, Riley Parnell, Harper Parnell, Stella Parnell, Hallie Hardwick, Walker Hardwick, Hollyn Hardwick, Jax LeGrand and Jaden LeGrand; and longtime helpers Pedro Aguayo and Emma Massengale.

Polly was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Ben Parnell; her parents, L.P. and Willie Mae Ward; her sister, Katherine Taylor; her brothers, Bill Ward and Bob Ward; and her son-in-law, Gary Douglas.

Burial will be held at 9:00 AM on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at the Holland Cemetery on Hwy. 95, Holland, Texas followed by visitation at 2:00 PM and a memorial service at 3:00 PM, both at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home, 3110 Airport Road, Temple, TX 76504.

Memorials may be made to Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Medical Center, 1901 SW H K Dodgen Loop, Temple, TX 76502; Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services, 5920 W William Cannon Dr., Bldg 3, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78749; Ronald McDonald House Charities of Temple TX, 2415 S 47th St, Temple, TX 76504, or the charity of your choice.