Betty J. Parrish

Betty J. Parrish, 78, of Springfield, died at 2:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at her home. Betty was born August 4, 1929 in Greenview, the daughter of Forrest and Velma Reeder O'Brien. She married Lawrence Parrish on April 25, 1947 in Jacksonville. Betty graduated from Greenview High School. She was active in the Women In Study bible study class at church and spent 28 years as a sales associate for Bergner's. Betty was a fun-loving, energetic, family woman who loved gardening, dancing, playing with her dog, Muffy, and spending time with her family and friends. She will be remembered for her helpful, caring nature and classic, big holiday meals. Preceding Betty in death were her parents, Forrest and Velma O'Brien; her sister, Norma Jean Ryan; her brother, Bob O'Brien; and two half-brothers, Chester and Forrest Lee O'Brien. She is survived by her husband, Lawrence Parrish of Springfield; her son, Jeff (wife, Angela) Parrish of Springfield; two daughters, Linda S. (husband, Dennis) Johnson of Springfield and Denise (husband, David) Baumberger of Decatur; eight grandchildren, Mitchell Johnson of Springfield, Dustin Johnson of Morton, Grant Johnson of Springfield, Jill, Brooke, and Clark Baumberger of Decatur, Damon and John Parrish of Springfield; two great-grandchildren, Hannah and Parker Johnson of Springfield; her sisters, Geri (husband, Walt) Davison of Green Valley and Marilyn (husband, Art) Woollen of Rochester; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield, IL 62703. A funeral ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield with Cindy Lash of West Side Christian Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to West Side Christian Church, 2850 Cider Mill Lane, Springfield, IL 62702.