Margaret Ware Parrish, a leader in women's sports and local history, dies at 91

Funeral services for Margaret Ware Parrish, one of Midway's leading citizens and its most noted historian, will be held tomorrow at 11 a.m. at the Midway Christian Church. Visitation will begin at the church at 10 a.m. Burial will be in the Lexington Cemetery. She died Friday at her home.

Parrish was a pioneer in Kentucky women’s sports and had a teaching and coaching career that spanned more than three decades. She taught physical education and coached all sports at Midway College until she retired in 1979. She was honored last year at Midway's first Living History Day. (Photo by Megan Wimpy)

She was the author of several books including Outstanding Kentucky Women in Sports 1900-1968, in which she shared her insights into expanding opportunities for women in sports; and was a co-author of Woodford County, Kentucky: The First Two Hundred Years. She was a three-time recipient of the Midway Lions Club's Citizen of the Year award, a past president of the Woodford County Historical Society, and board member of the Woodford County Humane Society. She was also known for caring for Midway's homeless cats.

Parrish is survived by several cousins. Memorial gifts have been suggested to Midway Christian Church, Midway College, the humane society or the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.