1930-2026
Mary Ann Parsons, 95, longtime resident of Oxford, KS passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026, at Cumbernauld Village in Winfield, KS.
Mary Ann was born on December 29, 1930, to Garnet Opal (Trissal) and Charles Raymond Dudley in Wichita, Kansas. She attended Wichita North High School before the family moved to Wellington, where she graduated in 1948. She began her lifelong career of teaching and service at age 17, when the local school board approved her to teach at a rural one-room schoolhouse. On August 23, 1952, she was united in marriage to Francis “Ray” Parsons in Hugoton, KS. She continued her education at Southwestern College in Winfield, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1964, and went on to attend Wichita State University, completing her master’s degree in education in 1973. Mary Ann returned to Southwestern, where she held a tutoring role, then taught first grade and special education for over 30 years in Oxford. Mary Ann enjoyed reading, playing bridge and Canasta, and solving puzzles and word games. An avid bowler, she traveled to Reno, Nevada in 2013 to compete in the National Senior Games. She was also a wonderful baker, winning many sweepstakes and blue ribbons at the county and Kansas State Fairs. She was a member of the Oxford Methodist Church, and served as president and board member of the Oxford Senior Center, where she delivered meals and assisted with blood drives. She was dedicated to caring for her family and serving her community.
She is survived by her daughters, Debra Schwyhart (Bruce), Diana Smallwood (Ray), Dawn Dreiling, daughter-in-law Karen Parsons, grandchildren: Dru Schwyhart, Devin Schwyhart, Dara Schwyhart, Micah Smallwood, Morgan Moshiri, Miche Dreiling, Cory Dreiling, Mallory Ruyle, and Brett Parsons, 16 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, her
brother-in-law Ed Barker, and numerous extended family members.
Mary Ann is preceded in death by her parents, husband, sons Del R. Parsons, Layne R. Parsons, grandson Layne C. Parsons, and sister Donna Barker.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 28th, 2026, at Oxford Funeral Services. Memorial contributions may be made to the USD 358 Scholarship Fund; donations may be left in the care of the Funeral Home.
