Barbara Kay ParentEnid, OK

Barbara Kay Parent, of Ponca City, OK went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 18, 2026 at the age of 90, at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, KS. A celebration of life service will be at Eastern Heights Christian Church in Ponca City, OK on August 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Mark Berry officiating.

Barbara was born in Oklahoma City, OK to John and Doris Risinger on March 13, 1936. She grew up in various towns throughout Oklahoma and Texas as her father managed C.R. Anthony stores. She graduated from Pawhuska High School in 1954 and later worked for Southwestern Bell, Munsingwear, and alongside her father at C.R. Anthony.

On September 6, 1958, Barbara married Leonard H. Parent in Fairfax, Oklahoma. They moved to Sand Springs, where Leonard taught school and Barbara cared for their family. In 1971, they moved to Ponca City, where they raised their four children, Mark, Jenni, Janet, and Brad. Barbara continued her education, graduating from Northern Oklahoma College in 1974 and Oklahoma State University in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She taught at Liberty Elementary School in Ponca City for 20 years before retiring in 1996. She loved all her students and could call them all by name even to her last day. Barbara was a devoted OSU Cowboys fan and longtime season ticket holder. She loved cooking for her family and friends and especially enjoyed making her famous pies which she sometimes shared with the guys in the press box at the Wildcat football games. She also enjoyed riding the bus with the East Jr High football and basketball teams to their out-of-town games to cheer them on. Even at 90 years old, Barbara was dedicated to serving the Lord by delivering Meals on Wheels every Friday to ‘her people.’

Barbara was a longtime member of Eastern Heights Christian Church, where she welcomed everyone as if they were family. She also attended BSF/EBS Bible study for more than 20 years, where she formed many lasting friendships. Barbara will be remembered for her generous heart, love of family, and the warmth sheshared with everyone around her.

Those she left behind to cherish her memories are her children, Jenni and husband Roy Roland of Edmond, OK, Janet and husband Kevin McGinty of Ponca City, OK, and Brad and wife Angie Parent of Ponca City, OK; her brother Mike and wife Debi Risinger of Cedar City, UT; her sister-in-law, Ann Risinger of Owasso, OK; her grandchildren Shandi Parent, Kali Parent, Jessi and Doug Colston, Anya and Mike Lewis, Amy Roland, Sarah Rogers, Jared and Sidney McGinty, Amanda and Colton Gruis, Megan and Michael Stewart, Larry Stewart, Erin and Jacob Haney; Her great grandchildren Nevaeh, Ryan, Becky, Evan, Ethan, Colt, LucyMay, Oliver, Tatum, Emma, Kate, Madelyn, and baby Alex is on the way; great great grandson Eason; and daughter-in-law Leisa Payne. Also, brother-in-law, Floyd Parent, of Albequerque, NM, sister-in-law, Pat Parent, of Yukon, OK, and brother-in-law, Jerry and wife Sue Parent, of Pecos, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Leonard Parent, her parents John and Doris Risinger, her brother Dick Risinger, and her son Mark Parent. Also, brothers-in-law Dwayne Parent and Paul Parent, and sister-in-law, Linda Wagoner. Honorary pall bearers will be Jared McGinty, Doug Colston, Michael Stewart, Larry Stewart, Jacob Haney,Colton Gruis, Seth Stoker, and Shaden Pankey.

2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Donations can be made in Barbara’s name to Eastern Heights Christian Church or Meals on Wheels c/oConnie Peterson 8280 East South Ave. Ponca City, OK 74604  Arrangements are under the kind guidance of The Amy Stittsworth Funeral Service.