Betty Irene was born in Molalla, OR to Bert and Ruth (Murphy) Davis on February 14, 1931 and was freed from the bondage of Dementia on December 12, 2017. Befitting a Valentine’s Day baby, Betty was all about loving and caring for others. She was soon joined in the household by brother Eldon and sister Melba. According to Melba, Betty was “born 20 years old” and was often their caregiver when Bert and Ruth were working to make ends meet during and soon after the depression.

After graduating from Canby High School in 1949, Betty was married to Arnold Larson in 1950 and they had three children together. Son Jeffrey, daughter Melanie (who lived 3 days) and daughter Susan. Betty would have had 100 kids if possible and she gave her children enough love for 100 kids.

Betty and Don Parsons were married in 1975 and so she was enriched by gaining another bunch of children to love. She loved Philip, Timothy and Bristol as her own.

Betty’s love and caregiving was not limited to family. After working for several years at Meier & Frank, she was a member of the Chemeketa Community College family for 18 years and retired as Secretary to the Dean of the College. Over those years Betty became a wonderful friend to many people, too many to count.

After retiring from Chemeketa in 1989 Betty took care of her grandsons, Matthew and Joshua while her daughter Susan was at work. Betty and Don enjoyed traveling whenever possible. They briefly moved to Casa Grande, Arizona. But the pull of grandchildren and great grandchildren was too much and they returned home to Salem. Betty moved to Brookdale Memory Care Center in November 2014 and became a much loved member of that family. Upon her passing it was noted by the Brookdale staff that they’d just lost their “Ray of Sunshine”. Betty had a warm smile, right up to the end. Now she’s smiling in the presence of Jesus!

Betty was preceded in death by her parents Bert and Ruth Davis, brother Eldon Davis and daughter Melanie Larson.

She is survived by her husband Don Parsons, son Jeff Larson (daughter in law Sharon, granddaughter Jennifer Larson), daughter Sue Page (grandchildren Josh Page, Matt and Sarah Page, great-grandchildren Mikaya and Jaycob Page), sister Melba Wright (nephew Chris McKinney and family) stepson Philip Parsons, stepson Tim Parsons (daughter in law Candace, grandchildren Eric,Christopher, Jennifer), stepson Bristol Parsons (daughter in law Tiffany, grandsons Tristan and Quincy Parsons, grandson Brandon Brewer). Nephew Keith Davis and family, nephew Kevin Davis and family, nephew Kerry Davis, nephew Kyle Davis and family, nephew Kelly Davis and family, niece Karna Garman and family, former husband Arnold Larson(wife Mildred).

To the Brookdale family: know that we are so appreciative that you went above and beyond your requirements when caring for Mom. You gave her love and encouragement to the very end, Thank You doesn’t seem like enough.

There’s a multitude of people who were touched by Betty’s kindness and loving nature, too many to list here. You know who you are and we thank you for loving her back.

Betty’s Memorial Service will be at her long time home church:

11:00am January 6, 2018
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
1998 Lansing Ave NE
Salem, OR 97303

In lieu of flowers please consider giving to:

-One Spirit Medical Missions (son Jeff’s nonprofit)-PO Box 31565, Bellingham, WA 98228

-Holy Cross Lutheran Scholarship Program-1998 Lansing Ave NE, Salem, OR 97303

-Your local Alzheimer’s / Dementia Association