RHETTA PARHAM

1931-2016

Rhetta Mae McMaster Parham passed away Sunday, August 7, 2016. She was born April 3, 1931 in Abernathy, Texas. Her viewing will be held at Klein Funeral Home, 16131 Champions Forest Dr, Spring, TX, this Thursday, 5:00-8:00 pm and service at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, Houston, TX on Friday, 3:00 pm.

She graduated from Texas Tech University in 1952 and was an active participant in many student organizations including Varsity Show and Who’s Who on campus. Rhetta was head cheerleader, Sophomore Favorite, Hodge Podge Queen, Miss Texas Tech, and president of Tri Delta (formerly DFD) Sorority. A physical education major, she went on to teach school in Portales, NM, Denver, CO, and Midland, TX. She was also a secretary for Seaboard Oil Co. in Midland where she met her husband, Van, of 55 years. She served as Ways and Means Chair of the PTA Elementary board in Metairie, LA and a member of TriDelta alumnae in Louisiana and Texas. Rhetta was a 40+ year member of the Grey Ladies and enjoyed many years of HTLA tennis teams. She was a 41-year member of St. Dunstan’s church where she was a member of Martha Guild, Altar Guild, Street of Shoppes, Bible Study, and served as President of Daughters of the King and Episcopal Church Women for many years.

Rhetta is preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Lona McMaster, her husband, Van and son, Mark.

She is survived by three sons, Van E. Parham, Jr. and wife Renae, Shawn W. Parham, and Patrick M. Parham. She has five grandsons – Shawn, Jr. and wife Betsy, Trey (Van III) and wife Hayley, Brandon, Bryce and Trevor Parham and one great granddaughter, Paige. Also, survivors are her two brothers Foy McMaster and wife Mary, and Gene McMaster and many nephews, nieces, great nephews/nieces, great-great nephew/nieces.

Her family and friends will truly miss Rhetta’s contagious smile and love of life.

Donations can be made to American Cancer Society.