Betty A. Parsons' Obituary
Big Rapids - Betty A. Parsons, 86, of Big Rapids, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at Evergreen Terrace. She was born January 25, 1929, in North Milwaukee, WI, the daughter of Julius and Sadie (Noggle) Johnson. On August 12, 1948, in Chippewa Falls, WI, she married Herbert A. Parsons. The couple moved to Big Rapids in 1953 when Herb accepted a job teaching in the automotive department at Ferris Institute, and had lived here since. Betty was first and foremost a fulltime mother to her children and a wonderful grandmother. She liked to say "Family is my strength", and was always there through good days and bad days, cuts and scrapes, nightmares and daydreams. She could never get enough of her family, and was known for her famous "cowboy cookies". Betty was a longtime member of the United Church of Big Rapids. She served as chairman of the Central Barton Ladies' Extension for 23 years, and for many years volunteered on the city election board counting ballots. During the holiday season, Betty worked part-time at Kline's Department Store, and she also enjoyed knitting and ceramics. Her husband Herb preceded Betty in death on February 3, 2010. Surviving are their children DeWayne Parsons of Big Rapids, Lynne Zaebst of Holland, Vicki Parsons of Big Rapids, Jan (Michael) Clark of Crystal Lake, IL, and Mary Jo Parsons of Grand Rapids; 6 grandchildren' 1 great-grandchild; 2 sisters, Gloria (Marshall) Anderson and Joanne (Jim) Bergeron, both of Chippewa Falls, WI; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services for Betty will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 28, 2015, at the United Church of Big Rapids, with Rev. Jon Fleming officiating. Spring burial will be in the Highland View Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her name may be made for the United Church.
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