Betty A. Willis

Betty A. Willis, 90, formerly of Parsons, passed away Sunday, November 15, 2020, at Midland Hospice Center in Topeka, Kansas.

Betty Ann Brown was born on April 16, 1930, to Elmer C. and Eva Bell (Harmon) Brown in Saxman, Kansas.    She grew up in the Cow Creek neighborhood of Saxman, the youngest of seven children.  In 1948, she moved with her parents to their farm northwest of Galesburg.

In 1948, she graduated from Galesburg High School.  She married her high school sweetheart, Robert E. Willis, on April 17, 1954.  He preceded her in death on June 7, 2017.

She was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Parsons. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Chanute.  She enjoyed collecting dishes, while Robert collected clocks.  Always thrifty, she canned the spoonbill fish he caught as well as the vegetables they grew.  She delighted in traveling, going to their time-share and spending time with friends and family.  In the Parsons community, she cherished her exercise group, working on the election board, and volunteering at the local museum.  Betty will be remembered for wearing multiple pieces of jewelry and her great smile.

She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Robert E. Willis; her parents; and her siblings, Ettamae Brown Vincent, Orinda Bell Brown Link England, John William Brown, Gladys M. Brown Glogau, Evalena Brown Spotts King, and Veanita Brown Potter.

There will be a Memorial Service at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 15, 2021, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.  Burial has already taken place at the Galesburg Cemetery.