Spring City was founded by pioneers who built a lasting community through hard work, creativity and faith. City officials say the Parnells embody those same qualities, making them fitting recipients of one of the community’s highest honors.

The couple moved to Spring City 50 years ago after purchasing a condemned pioneer home in 1976. Through countless hours of work, they transformed the historic house into a family home where they raised their six children. Although the Parnells spent extended periods living and working in Spain, Mexico, Argentina and Chile, they always returned to Spring City, bringing with them a spirit of service and a commitment to improving every community they became part of.

For nearly 40 years, Gary Parnell made the daily commute to Ephraim, first as a professor at Snow College and later as a liaison with Utah State University’s Ephraim Campus. His influence, however, extended far beyond education.

Within Spring City, Gary has served as the first bishop of the Spring City First Ward and has dedicated more than three decades to serving on city councils and community committees. His vision and leadership helped establish the city’s Heritage Day Festival, now a cherished annual tradition, and he played a key role in securing grants and funding to restore Spring City’s historic City Hall.

Gary also founded the annual Gospel Music Program held each year on the Sunday following Pioneer Day. This year’s event marks the 29th annual concert, which has become a favorite summer tradition for residents and visitors alike. Along with the music, Gary’s trademark dry sense of humor has become part of the program’s appeal, with many attendees joking that they come as much for his stories and jokes as they do for the performances.

Katie Parnell, whose given name is Kathryn, has also devoted her talents to education and community service. After working at the hospital in Mt. Pleasant, she taught science at North Sanpete Middle School and later at Snow College. She also represented Spring City as a member of the local school board.

An accomplished musician, Katie has spent years accompanying performances on both the piano and viola. She has performed in orchestra pits for annual productions of Messiah, accompanied countless Primary programs, and supported numerous theatrical productions at the ward, high school and college levels. Her sewing talents have helped create costumes for road shows, ballet productions and pioneer treks throughout the years.

Beyond her musical and artistic contributions, Katie is known throughout the community for her hospitality. Her homemade rhubarb pies and apricot jam have become favorites among family, friends and neighbors, adding another layer to the legacy of kindness she has built over the years.

The Parnells’ commitment to serving others has also reached far beyond the borders of Spring City. In 2014, they accepted a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Durban, South Africa Mission, where they worked primarily with members of the Church in the country of Lesotho.

The assignment held special meaning for Gary, who had previously served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Lesotho following his college years. Inspired by their experiences, the couple returned to Lesotho in 2018 and 2019 to complete an additional humanitarian service project at an orphanage serving children with disabilities.

Today, the Parnells continue to quietly enrich the lives of those around them. Gary spends his time tending the couple’s small farm and garden, teaching Spanish to neighbors, and volunteering at the Manti Utah Temple. Katie continues to be known for her compassion and generosity, making sure every child, grandchild and neighbor feels welcomed, loved and cared for.

As Spring City celebrates its pioneer heritage this year, honoring Gary and Katie Parnell recognizes not only a lifetime of volunteer service and leadership, but also the lasting impact two dedicated citizens can have on a community. Their example of faith, hard work and selfless service has helped shape Spring City for the past half century and will continue to inspire future generations.

If you’d like, I can also write a short photo cutline to accompany a picture of Gary and Katie for publication.