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Mary Martha Parker Obituary

September 17, 1945 – August 12, 2020

Mary Martha Parker, 74 years, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa.

Mary Martha was born in Pawhuska, Oklahoma to parents George Pratt Jr. and Ruth Mae (Hopper) Shackelford on September 17, 1945. She graduated from Pawhuska High School. After graduation, she married her love, Keith Parker in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. They then had two children, Eric Parker and Mary Monique Hall.

Together they enjoyed traveling, especially to the mountains of Colorado, having a special affinity for Colorado Springs. Mary Martha loved attending and participating in the Osage Inlonshka Ceremonial Dances. She served as a cook for several Drumkeepers on the Zon-Zo-Li committee. She enjoyed her time with family, especially during the holidays. The Christmas season was her favorite time of year.

Listening to live music was one of her favorite passions. Whether it was a venue with Stevie Nicks or something smaller, she rarely missed a live show of Tulsa musicians, being friends with many. Mary also enjoyed weekly visits to the Osage Casino in Tulsa and casinos in the mountains of Colorado. Mary had an adventurous soul for many things such as rafting, riding hot air balloons and camping, especially moving her travel trailer to her spot in each of the Osage Districts for the Inlonshka ceremonies.

Mary truly enjoyed her chosen profession as a renowned baker and breakfast cook in several of Tulsa’s best dining establishments. Still, Mary Martha kept her high spirits and best cooking for loved ones during many celebrations and holidays. Her personality will always be remembered as joyful, happy and influential. Her family will miss how she brightened the room whenever she walked in, her great laugh and beautiful smile.

Mary is survived by her husband, Keith Parker; son, Eric Parker; grandchildren, Harrison Hall, Ethan Parker, Allyson Parker; brothers, Harrison, Mike, Anthony Shackelford; aunt, Marilyn Dailey; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She lied in state at the Hominy Indian Village Community Building. Services were Aug. 17 at the Hominy Indian Village Community Building with Scott Lohah officiating. Pallbearers were Mike Shackelford, Anthony Shackelford, Harrison Shackelford, Eric Parker, Harrison Hall, and Mason Shackelford. Burial followed the service at the A.J. Powell Memorial Cemetery in Hominy.  

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  • Osage News Staff

    Stories that are not primarily written by an Osage News staff member will have a “Osage News” byline. These stories include press releases and other community content that was drafted by someone externally but reviewed and approved for publication by Osage News. As an independent news organization, we strive to report news and information with fairness and balance. While being the official news organization of the Osage Nation, we base our news judgements on our loyalties to our readers and Osage citizens, and we are not directly beholden to the Executive, Legislative, or Judicial branches of the Osage Nation.

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Osage News Staffhttps://osagenews.org
Stories that are not primarily written by an Osage News staff member will have a “Osage News” byline. These stories include press releases and other community content that was drafted by someone externally but reviewed and approved for publication by Osage News. As an independent news organization, we strive to report news and information with fairness and balance. While being the official news organization of the Osage Nation, we base our news judgements on our loyalties to our readers and Osage citizens, and we are not directly beholden to the Executive, Legislative, or Judicial branches of the Osage Nation.
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