Betty Jane Parsons

Betty Jane Parsons was born on January 2, 1928, in Miami, Oklahoma. Before she was born, her father died tragically in an accident, and several years later, the family moved out west. They came out to the Walla Walla area, where her mother, Ellen Louise Jackson, worked as a farm cook to provide for them. It was while she was working for one family farm that her mother met Bill Ritter and later married him in 1940. Bill adopted Betty, and her parents would later welcome another daughter, Billie.

As the daughter of a farm cook, Betty attended many local schools, many of them small one-room country schoolhouses, including at Eureka, Pleasant View, and Smith Springs. She also attended grade school in Prescott and later at Green Park Elementary alongside her classmate Bill Anderson, better known as Adam West of Batman fame.

During her high school years, she attended Dayton High School, Walla Walla High School, and Compton Junior College briefly while her parents moved the family to California for work. Betty finished high school at Wa-Hi, participating in trap and skeet competitions and becoming a princess in the 1946 fair court. The horsemanship required for the court she attributed to skills she learned while collecting grain sacks on horseback and the shooting from when she was hunting jack rabbits out in the wheat country.

The beautiful, auburn-haired country girl Betty met Don Parsons at the Southeastern Washington Fair after he returned from fighting in the Second World War as a gunner in the 15th Air Force in Europe. The two married in 1947 and together raised four children - Randy, Mary, Pam, and Lynn. She made many happy memories with her children, cheering them on and supporting them as they traveled to and competed in many rodeos. She had several employers, at one point working as a switchboard operator, later at J.C. Penney's, Frontier Machinery, and finally working for Bill Horton Insurance. There was no role she took more seriously, though than that of wife, mother, and grandmother. Always happy to see her family, Betty made all who knew her feel welcomed and loved through her smile and inviting care. She was a supporter, a listening ear to those in need of being heard, and a dedicated encourager.

Betty made many connections and life-long friendships as a member of several groups, including Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority, Pioneer Posse, and College Place First Presbyterian Church.

To her family and friends, she was known for her beautiful garden she kept, for her incredible hospitality, and the warmth she brought to all holiday gatherings in her and Don's home. Steady like an anchor, she deeply cared about her family with a humble quietness and persistent, enduring love. She never missed an opportunity to play with her grandkids or to attend all their events, concerts, or games. Betty and Don built a wonderful family together during their 70 years of marriage.

She is survived by her children, Randy (Debbie) Parsons of Avery, Idaho, Mary (Paul) Meyer of Kennewick, Pam Johnson of Walla Walla, and Lynn (Collie) Parsons of Walla Walla, and brother-in-law, Raymond DeRuwe of Dayton. She is also survived by her and Don's 12 grandchildren,18 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Don; her parents; sister, Billie DeRuwe; and son-in-law, Donn N. Johnson.

A graveside service will be held Friday, September 23, 2022, at 1:00 PM, at Mountain View Cemetery with Pastor Ron Alexander officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice through Herring- Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest book at www.herringgroseclose.com.