She was born on June 3, 1935 in Eureka, the daughter of Percy and Bea (Donaldson) Stilwell. She graduated from Eureka High School in 1953. She worked at Zales, St. Francis Lab and later worked for the United States Post Office after moving to Dallas. She attended Emporia State University and later attended Nursing School and became an LPN. She remained at St. Francis Hospital as a Histology Technician. She was employed by Greenwood County Hospital and Medicine Lodge Nursing Home.

On June 28, 1983 she married Joe Parr, in Belpre. They have lived in and near Macksville.

She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Gene and Joe; a sister, Betty Edwards and a step-son, Danny Parr.

She is survived by her husband, Joe Parr, of Belpre; stepsons, Jeff Parr, of Macksville, and Gary Parr, of Great Bend; stepdaughter, Rita Aubuchon, of Wichita; six step-grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.