Betty A. Parps

Heaven must have been short on spunky, classy, kind-hearted women, and so Betty was sent for. She answered this call on Saturday, November 26, 2016. Betty A. Parps (Lothschutz) is now enjoying her daily McDonald’s iced coffee in the company of those who have gone before and who have been waiting for her. Still to join her are her husband of 61 years, Art; children, Tymarie (John) Boeve, Robin (Douglas) Burd, Tracy (Rich) Carlson, Kelly (Chris) Bowman, John Parps; grandchildren, Timothy (Lyndsey) Boeve, Keri Desmarais, Christopher (Liz) Parps, Derrick Kolasse, Lucas Parps, Chelsea (Ryan) Dornbos, Alex Kolasse, Abbey Bowman, Alan Bowman; five great grandchildren, Addison and Nylah Boeve, Hayden Desmarais, Paxton and Wyatt Parps; brothers, Bud (Mary) Lothschutz, Bobby Lothschutz; brother-in-law, Red Parps; sister-in-law, Donna (Arvin) Lillibridge; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. A farmer’s daughter, born in Coopersville, Betty left the farm to become a teacher. This was her life’s work, beginning her career with teaching first grade and ending with teaching adult basic education. She traveled extensively, especially in retirement. It was a game among us to name a place in Michigan and its neighboring states that Betty had not visited. We usually lost this game. A ship sails, and I stand watching till she fades on the horizon, and someone at my side says, “She is gone.” Gone where? Gone from my sight, that’s all. She is just as large now as when I last saw her. And just at that moment, when someone at my side says “she is gone”, there are others who are watching her come over their horizon and taking up the glad shout: “There she comes!” That is what dying is: a horizon just outside the limit of our sight. If only we could raise ourselves higher that we may see further. So Betty is gone, but not gone far. Please join us as we celebrate the life of this wonderful woman on Wednesday, November 30 11:30 am at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 1630 Godfrey SW, Wyoming with Fr. Stephen Dudek Celebrant. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from 10:30-11:15 am at the church prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Kindred Hospice.