Edna “Beth” Paris

Edna "Beth" Paris, a native and long-time resident of Ponca City, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 2 at her home in Tulsa, OK. She was born in Ponca City on May 8, 1931 to Edna and Frank Carpenter. Beth attended school here and graduated from Po-Hi in 1949, then attended Oklahoma Women's College in Chickasha before returning to Ponca City and marrying James M. Paris.

An avid Oklahoma State University fan, Beth and her husband hosted many athletic fund-raisers at their home in Ponca City. She served on the OSU Alumni Association Board and attended OSU's football bowl appearances and away games. Her activities also included many local civic and social events and organizations, in addition to assisting her husband in his furniture business and later running a gift basket business in Ponca City and Branson, Mo.

Mrs. Paris is survived by two daughters, T. Lynne Waters and Leslie Paris, both of Tulsa; one son, James "Chip" Paris and his wife Stephanie of Fairview, TX; nieces including Jan Farabough and husband Gary of Ardmore, OK, and Kathleen Branch and husband Jim of Marble Falls, TX; three grandchildren, one great-grandson, plus great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two sisters, and two brothers. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two sisters, Joyce Rae and her husband, Harold; Dorothy Leonard and her husband, Sam; and two brothers, Myron Carpenter and his wife Eileen; and Robert Carpenter.

Graveside service will be held at Resthaven-Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery on Tuesday at 10:30 am under direction of Trout Funeral Home, with the Rev. Steve Mallory of Grace Episcopal Church officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Cann Memorial Botanical Gardens, 1500 E. Grand Avenue; to Marland Mansion Estate Foundation, 901 Monument Road; or Grace Episcopal Church, 109 N. 13th Street.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Beth's devoted caregiver, Millie, for her unwavering support, dedicated care and compassionate companionship throughout her final years.