Bill and Lola Parrish

In Loving Memory of Bill and Lola Parrish

Bill: 1934-2026 | Lola: 1933-2026

After 73 years of marriage, Bill and Lola Parrish completed life’s journey together, leaving behind a legacy of love, family, and devotion. Bill, affectionately known as “Wild Bill,” passed away on May 4, 2026, and Lola followed on June 3, 2026. Bill was 91 years old and Lola was 92. Though separated by only a month, their enduring love to one another remains an inspiration to all who knew them.

Bill was born on May 11, 1934, in Monroe, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, New Mexico, where he met Lola Romero. Lola was born on September 3, 1933, in Tinnie, New Mexico. The two quickly fell in love and were married in 1952, beginning a remarkable journey together that spanned more than seven decades.

Bill proudly served four years in the Air Force and was awarded the Purple Heart. Following his military service, he built a distinguished career with Halliburton Oil Services before becoming an independent oil consultant. He later joined his son at Parrish Oil Field Services in North Dakota. After retiring and returning to Ruidoso, he started Wild Bill Trucking. 

Wild Bill was known as the life of the party-always ready with a joke and often the first on the dance floor. He loved riding his Harley-Davidson and continued to ride well into his mid-80s. He also enjoyed fishing and collecting old coins. 

Lola was the heart and anchor of the family. As a devoted wife and stay-at-home mother to their four children, she created a loving home filled with warmth, kindness, and unwavering support. She was nurturing, dependable, and deeply loved by all who knew her.  Lola enjoyed shopping, getting her hair and nails done, and faithfully attending church. She cherished the special bond she shared with her sisters and found her greatest joy in spending time with the family she loved so dearly.

Bill and Lola were preceded in death by their daughter, Janet Duff, on January 10, 2022. They are survived by their children, Ernie (Marge) Parrish, Diane (Elmer) Hopkins, and Kelly (Chris) Burks. They also leave behind six grandchildren: Denise Marshall, Jason Narvaez, Nalon Hopkins, Jade Nelson, Makala Hopkins and Andrea Kelly; nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

A funeral service will be held at Fort Stanton Veterans Cemetery on June 25, 2026, at 10:00a.m., with full military honors. A reception will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the Angus Church of the Nazarene, 103 Bonita Park Road, Angus, New Mexico.

The Parrish family has entrusted their loved one to the care of New Dawn Cremations.  Cremation has taken place at PCS. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bill and Lola Parrish, please visit our floral store.