Elizabeth Parish

A too-short life filled with music and a fierce love for her children came to an end June 4, 2022, when Betsy (Elizabeth) Ann Parish was taken from this earth after a sudden and swift illness.
Born October 25, 1958, Betsy found joy in the small things – a good book, a rocking vinyl, time spent at the sewing machine, creating music and a good cup of coffee.
She was quick to voice her opinions but quicker to help anyone who asked.
Through her we know what perseverance and resilience look like. She had an all-encompassing love for her children and grandchildren. Cross one of hers and you crossed her – an act not to be taken lightly.
A lover of music, Betsy just celebrated 50 years of playing her beloved Armstrong flute. She lent her talents to more than 100 area musical theater productions. The pits will be a bit emptier without her amazing musicality and sarcasm.
Betsy always had a creative project or two under way. Her crocheted hats could cover every head in the Valley and still have several to spare. Her sewing machine(s) were constantly abuzz with a task – usually hemming the pants of her youngest daughter.
Her favorite pastime, however, was supporting and cheering on her children and grandchildren in all of their endeavors. She rarely missed a school or extracurricular activity, big or small and her unwavering support will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by parents Lafayette and Sylvia Williams. She is survived by brother Paul (Debbie) Williams, sister Jane Owen, daughters Sara (Ed) Sheldon and Amy Jo (Judd) Brown, grandchildren Elizabeth, Benjamin and Sylvia, nieces, nephews and a legacy of honest, authentic living.
A service will be held on Saturday, June 11 at 11a.m. with a luncheon to follow at Chester Gospel Church 3744 West Vermontville Hwy., Vermontville.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to a starving musician you know so the music can continue.
Whenever she found a saying or recipe worth saving she wrote it down on whatever was close – a paper plate, an old receipt, anything that would hold ink. Among these pages are scraps of wisdom she found significant that we now pass on to you. “When you stumble – make it part of the dance.” “When you can’t get it right – go left.”
Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home, Nashville, MI.  For more information please visit our website www.danielsfuneralhome.net.