This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Parrish, Ward, thwaits, Moreno Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5297/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Laura Elizabeth (Bettie) Parrish, 91, passed away peacefully at her daughter's home in Nogales, Arizona on March 16, 2011. She was born and grew up in the small town of Mart, Texas and was one of five children. Our mom met the love of her life, the late Maurice Parrish, while in school at Baylor University. She considered herself a lucky woman and no one could have been happier. Bettie and Maurice were married in 1942 and after a few years in Texas, Georgia, and Florida, they returned to settle on Maurice's home turf in Silver City in 1955, where they continued their life together. They did indeed enjoy a " happy ever-after" marriage, and spent many years enjoying the good life. Our mom was a gardener extraordinaire and an avid bridge player. She enjoyed playing golf, participating in the local Women's Club, camping and hiking with family in the mountains, traveling to play golf and to see family and friends throughout the southwest and beyond. Life became hard with advancing age, due to chronic illness, but Mom weathered the storm relentlessly and prevailed day by day. The list of joyful experiences that make up our lives with our mom seems endless. Our hearts are sad but she would want us to rejoice in and celebrate her life. We find comfort at the loss of our mother with the following words: "We saw you getting weaker, so God did what He thought best. He came and stood beside you, and He whispered "Come to Rest". Bettie is survived by her three children and their significant others: Garry Parrish and Kate Nichols of Berkeley, CA; Marva and Duane Thwaits of Nogales AZ; and Sue Ann Parrish and Bryan Alcorn of Sacramento, CA., her sister, Ann Ward, three grandchildren; Robyn Thwaits, Reed Thwaits, and Karli Thwaits Moreno, four great grandchildren, along with nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, she would ask that you remember her by giving to a charity of your choice. Services for friends and family will be held at the Parrish family home at 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 20, 2011. Published in Las Cruces Sun-News from March 19 to April 19, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.