Betty Parcell

Betty Parcell Nov. 8, 1929 - Apr. 30, 2015 OSCEOLA - Betty Arlene Parcell, 85, of Osceola, passed away peacefully at Elkhart General Hospital at 1:08 A.M., April 30, 2015. Betty was the daughter of William H. and Hazel (Heffner) Secor, born on November 8, 1929 in the family farm house on the County Line Road, Osceola. She went on to make her home most of the rest of her life in two houses located within 100 yards of her birthplace. She married Gene L. Parcell on January 25, 1948. He preceded her in death on November 27, 1987. She is survived by sons, Greg (Becky) Parcell, Bristol, "Spank" (Gene Jr.), Osceola; grandchildren Ryan, Peoria, IL and Allison, Bristol, and a great-grandson, Alex. Also surviving are her brothers, John (Betty) Secor, Elkhart, Gary (Judy) Secor, Goshen and sister-in-law, Bonnie Secor, Elkhart, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, brothers, William Jr. and Richard; Sisters, Ruby, Frieda, Inabelle, and a very special friend, Ted Parcell. She was a 1947 Graduate of Jimtown High School, known then to be a bit of a pistol, bon vivant, and tomboy she could (according to a classmate), "Run faster, jump higher, and throw harder than any guy in her class." She was employed by CTS Corporation for over 29 years. She started on the Assembly line and through hard work and dedication became the first female to successfully make the transition from union member to management team. After retirement from CTS she was a real estate agent, a Baugo Township Trustee and dedicated Hospice volunteer. She was a member of the CTS Quarter Century Club, Red Hat Society and Jimtown Alumni Association, and forever proud of her time in the UAW and being a lifelong democrat and Jimtown fan. Her pies were legendary. Her house was immaculate, her yard was manicured, and her garden was bountiful. She stood with the underdogs and spoke the truth always. Her sense of humor never failed and her sense of justice was unblemished. Her greatest pride and joy were her family and she will be forever missed. And now you must excuse her as she has a prior obligation to be somewhere . A place beautiful beyond imagination. A place that awaits her where she can be reunited with the loved ones that have gone before her. A place where she can be barefoot, gardening, and driving a lawn mower at unsafe speed for all of eternity. Friends may call from 2 p.m. until 5p.m., Sunday, May 3, at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home. Services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, May 4, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Olive Cemetery. Online condolences may be directed to www.hartzlergutermuthinman.com.