Cecelia Ryser Parkey

Cecelia was born in Muskogee, OK, to Rachel Maxwell Ryser and Marvin Duane Ryser on August 7, 1942. Cecelia had fond memories of growing up in Muskogee: lifelong friends, the youth group at First United Methodist Church, her grandparent’s Dairy Mart, and so many more. After graduating from Muskogee High School in 1960, Cecelia attended the University of Arkansas, transferring and graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 1964 with a BS in Math Education. In 1962, Cecelia married Gary Elliot Hendren. They had two children – Tracy Ellen and Jeffrey Scott. The family moved often with Gary’s job: Kansas City, MO; Columbia, MO; Evansville, IN; Cincinnati, OH; Carmel, IN; finally, moving back to Cincinnati in 1979, where they raised their children.

Cecelia was a dedicated mother, wife, and friend. She brought light into every situation. She was known for hosting the best parties, her athletic ability on the tennis court and golf course, her deep faith in the Lord, her creative and artistic talent, and her dynamic work ethic. But above all, her passionate love for her family was the cornerstone of her life. She organized and led various volunteer organizations while her children were in school, such as the Ursuline Academy Ultimate Auction and St. Xavier X-Travaganza Auction. Her love of family extended beyond her children. She had many beautiful times and trips with her sister, Debora Penn – from Las Vegas when they were young to many spring sister trips to Hilton Head, SC. She often let her “little” brother, Stuart Ryser, borrow her 1967 Camaro when he was in college. Later in life, the three siblings connected often.

Cecelia began her career as a math teacher. One of her most memorable and treasured years was teaching in Muskogee with her brother-in-law, Mike Hendren, as her student.

When her children were in high school, she began working at a jewelry store in Cincinnati, eventually becoming the store manager and buyer. In Memphis, Cecelia became a successful Realtor and truly enjoyed connecting people to their new home.

In 1999, Cecelia married Jack Parkey in Memphis, TN. They loved many of the same things…gardening, road trips, church, and more. In 2007, they moved to Edmond, OK, to be near Cecelia’s mother. In Oklahoma, Cecelia was active in Chapel Hill United Methodist Church where she directed Mobile Meals for eight years. At Chapel Hill she also served on various committees and volunteered at Whiz Kids as an afterschool tutor as well. She helped manage the library at Bradford Village as well. Cecelia was always busy with something. She gave all of her time and talents graciously and with love.

Cecelia loved gardening, reading, dancing, singing, cooking, playing with her grandchildren, and spending time at the beach. She will be remembered for her love, her care, and the way she would softly caress a child or grandchild’s cheek.

Cecelia was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Parkey, and parents, Rachel Baker and Marvin Ryser. She is survived by her children, Tracy Hendren Imle and husband, Peter, of Gonvick, MN; Jeff Hendren and wife, Kae, of Norwalk, CT; four grandchildren, Katie Johnson and husband Tyler, of Leonard, MN; Lauren Meier and husband, Andrew, of Mott, ND; Kaila Hendren of NYC, NY; and Sarah Imle of Gonvick, MN; great-grandsons, Colton Thomas Johnson, Easton Elliot Johnson, and Maccoy Ryser Johnson, of Leonard, MN; sister, Debora Penn of OKC, OK; brother, Stuart Ryser and wife, Sandi, of San Antonio, TX; brother-in-law, Mike Hendren and wife, Dotty, of Valparaiso, IN; nieces, Liz Hendren of Plano, TX; Sara Hendren and husband, Brian, of Cambridge, MA; and Megan Ryser of Seattle, WA; nephews, Mike Hendren and wife, Heather of Valparaiso, IN; and David Hendren and wife Riah, of Los Angeles, CA; step-daughter, Autumn Thron and husband, Michael, of Memphis, TN.

A memorial service will be held October 5, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. Memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church, Muskogee, OK or Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, OKC, OK.