Rita Parnell

Rita Parnell currently resides in Park Hill, Oklahoma. She was born and raised in Cherokee County. At age twenty, she joined the United States Marine Corps. When her enlistment drew to a close, she enrolled in college and became a registered nurse. She returned to Cherokee County after a nursing career of thirty years.

After her retirement, Parnell became active in a number of organizations. These groups include the following: Descendants of Nancy Ward Association, Goingsnake District Heritage Association, and Trail of Tears Association. She is a member of the First Baptist Church in Tahlequah, OK.

Rita Parnell is also the mother of a son and daughter. She has two grandchildren.