Paralee Cookson

Paralee Carlile Cookson, 94, a longtime resident of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, passed away December 31, 2024, at Go Ye Village in Tahlequah.

Mrs. Cookson was born August 26, 1930, in Rocky Ford, Colorado, to the late Dudley Clinton and Beulah Kaye McKinney Merchant. She attended Tahlequah High School.

Mrs. Cookson was a beautician before entering the cattle business, from which she retired after 50 years.

She was very artistic and enjoyed ceramic painting. She also enjoyed collecting antiques, riding horses, going to the drag races with her son, Bob, and most importantly spending time with her family and friends.

Mrs. Cookson is survived by her son, Bob (Dorothy) Carlile of Tahlequah; her daughter, Barbara (Doyle) Felts of Tahlequah; six grandchildren, Sonja, Ronnie, Rodney, Kevin, Keith, and Darren; 15 great-grandchildren, Kyle, Keenan, Kasey, Kris, Zachery, Chris, Lindsey, Jake, Lauren, Jeremy, Chloe, Carson, Cooper, Max, and Ella; 11 great-great grandchildren, Kyran, Kage, Sophie, Kaius, Koen, Cecillyah, Abby, Hope, Benjamin, Brady, and Rhys.

She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Robert "Leo" Carlile, and her sister, Billie Jean Merchant.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 4:00-6:00 PM, at Hart Funeral Home in Tahlequah.

Graveside services will be Thursday, January 9, 2025, 2:00 PM, at Holland Cemetery.