Betty Parrent

Betty Gayle Parrent (87), passed away in the care of Iowa River Hospice on February 7th, 2016. No services are planned at this time. Internment will take place at the Rock Island National Cemetery in Rock Island, Illinois at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the Iowa River Hospice of Marshalltown and the Union community Library. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Betty and her family. Betty Gayle Meyer was born to Orville Sac and Cecilia (Cartnal) Meyer on March 2nd, 1928, in Keokuk, Iowa. She was raised and educated in Illinois, graduating from Nauvoo, High School with the class of 1945. Following her general education, Betty attended Gem City Business College in Quincy, Illinois. On March 20th, 1948, Betty and James Wesley Parrent were united in marriage in St. Louis, Missouri. Together the family would eventually settle in Amboy, Illinois, where they resided for the next 54 years. In 2006, Betty and James relocated to Union, Iowa. Then, in 2009, they moved to Conrad, Iowa. On May 22nd, 2013, James passed away. Betty was employed as an Administrative Assistant at the Federal Land Bank Association for 32 years, until her retirement in 1984. She was active as a Girl Scout leader, a member of the Union Library Board, as well as a member and secretary of the United Church of Christ in Amboy, Illinois. Betty was also a member of the P.E.O., the PTA and Band Boosters. She enjoyed knitting, sewing and reading and traveling with her husband. Left to cherish her memory are her children; Stephanie (William) Hitchings, Jacqueline Matzinger, grandchildren; James Matzinger of Union, Iowa, Daniel Matzinger of Union, Iowa, Matthew (Shanna) Lotz, of Brownsburg, Indiana, Wendy (Todd) Heidorn of Darien, Illinois, great-grandchildren; Bailey and Bryn Lotz, Finn, Ella and Anya Heidorn, siblings; Penny (Marlin) McCutchan of Littleton, Colorado, nephew; Jeff (Theresa) McCutchan of Elgin, Illinois, niece; Janet (Bill) Van Meter of Denver, Colorado. In death, she rejoins her parents; Orville and Cecilia Meyer, and her husband; James Parrent, and a son-in-law; Ron Matzinger.