Elizabeth Parks

Age 85, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2018, surrounded by family. She was born February 21, 1932 in Marquette, Michigan, daughter of Frederick and Louise St. John. Betty grew up in Marquette and had an older sister, two older brothers and a younger brother. After graduating from high school, she lived in Wisconsin before moving to Kalamazoo in her early 20's where her older sister Mary lived. On August 29, 1959 she married the love of her life, Bob Parks in Kalamazoo. She worked as a recreational therapist at the Kalamazoo State Hospital until she decided to become a full time homemaker dedicated to raising their two children with her husband. Betty was an avid collector of antiques and costume jewelry. She enjoyed refurbishing antique furniture and her house was filled with many of her "treasures" picked from garage sales and brought back to life through her patience and attention to detail. Betty was a lover of animals, and never met an animal that wasn't a friend. Over the years, her house was a desired destination for neighborhood dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and other wildlife. During the last several years of her life, her newest animal friend was "Sammy" the squirrel, who would visit daily and would allow Betty to feed him directly from her hand. Betty and her husband were fantastic parents to their two children and were filled with joy when their grandchildren arrived. They were blessed to be active in the lives of their three grandchildren who all lived close and would see them daily. Betty was the matriarch of the family and her home was the spot for all holidays and family gatherings over the last several years. Although she moved away from Marquette when she was a young woman, Betty had a lifelong love of the Upper Peninsula and Lake Superior. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob of 54 years, who passed away in 2014. She was also preceded in death by four of her siblings, and is survived by her brother Fred St. John of Marquette, Michigan. She is survived by two children, Lee Ann (Dan) Barrus and Bob (Jennifer) Parks. Also surviving are her grandchildren Brandon Parks, Ally Parks, and Noelle Barrus. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a family memorial celebration will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery alongside her husband. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Southwest Michigan.