Mari Rich

Mari Rich, age 89 of Cleveland, Texas, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2016. She was born October 10, 1926 in Mesilla Park, New Mexico to parents Will. W. and Martha Elizabeth Smart Tullos.

She was reared in Frost, TX, Leesville, LA, Deweyville and Orange, TX. Graduated from High School in Orange, TX in 1943. Mari married Gordon Parker, Sr. in 1944 who preceded her in death. To this union was born her only son Gordon Parker, Jr. of Anchorage, Alaska. Mari attended Northwestern State University of Louisiana where she received her BA degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Public School Administration. She also attended the University of Alabama where she received her Doctorate in Curriculum Development and Research.

Mari taught school in Sabine Parish LA; Orange, TX; Lake Charles, LA; and Leesville, LA before moving to Anchorage, Alaska in 1959. In Anchorage Mari served as a Supervising Teacher for student teachers from Alaska Methodist University while she was working as a classroom teacher. She later became a School Administrator. Mari was Sarah Palin’s father’s boss for several years in Alaska and remained close family friends. She was also a Teleteacher. One of her television shows entitled “Through the Americas With Panu and You” won a state award for excellence. Mari also taught part-time for the University of Alaska, Anchorage for several years.

Mari retired as Supervisor of Schools from the Anchorage School District in 1979 and married Paul A. Rich. Together they formed a small corporation – Air-Flo Tube Systems, Inc. – that they operated until 2003 when Mari retired for a 2nd time.

Mari was a member of 3 honorary sororities – Kappa Delta Pi, Alpha Delta Kappa and the Iota Psi chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma in Cleveland. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cleveland and also attended Calvary Baptist Church with her husband Paul. She was also a member of The Woman’s Club of Cleveland for 22 years and served as the club president for 4 of those years. She also served as committee heads at the Magnolia District Level and was presented the Magnolia District Life time membership award.

Mari was Queen Mother of the Prissy Missy Red Hatters of Cleveland, an International “Disorganization” for women past 50 who “just want to have fun”. Wearing Red Hats with Purple Attire, (that doesn’t go!) these ladies have formed a sisterhood all over the world.

Mari is survived by her husband of 37 years, Paul A. Rich; son, Gordon Parker, Jr. and wife Domini; step-son, Darron Rich and wife Roxy; grandsons, David Parker and wife Amber, and Dan Parker; step-grandchildren, Darrah Rich, Megan Foster and husband Jason, Tessa McCurry and husband Michael, Taylor Laeske, Darron Todd Rich and wife Sarah, Brad Laeske and Garrett Steph; six great-grandchildren, four step great-grandchildren, nephews, Jim Tullos, Phil Chaffin, Mark Chaffin and Fred Parker; niece, Genelle Hughen; three great-nieces, three great-nephews and many close friends.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Friday, June 10, 2016 at Pace Stancil Funeral Home, Cleveland, Texas. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Pace Stancil Chapel, Cleveland, Texas. Interment will follow at Pace Stancil Memorial Rest Gardens, Cleveland, Texas.

Pace Stancil Funeral Home
303 E. Crockett St.
Cleveland, Texas 77327
(281)592-2641