Betty Jean (Parker) Eliott, age 86, passed away September 29, 2017, at Dawson Place in Hill City, Kansas.

She was born October 25, 1930, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the daughter of Bryan B. and Rubey (Price) Parker. The family later returned to Hill City where they spent the majority of her early years. She had many happy memories spending time with her Nanny and PaPa Parker and Aunt Mary. Betty had a special bond with her cousin Katie (Parker) Law. Early in their lives they made a pact that when they had children they’d each be their nephews and nieces and that is why she was “Aunt Katie”. Every summer Betty and her mother went to California on the train to visit her Grandma Ann (her maternal grandmother). These trips were very special. Her father would drive out and pick them up and they would enjoy the trip back to Hill City.

In 1944, after the start of World War II, Bryan joined the Navy and the family moved to El Cajon, California. Betty was a freshman in high school. She enjoyed sunny California, but was happy when they returned to Graham County after her father’s discharge from the Navy.

In 1947, Betty began dating the love of her life Dale Elliott. Following her graduation from high school in May of 1948, the couple were married on August 24, 1948. They lived in Berkenfield, Oregon, for a short time, returning to Hill City in 1949. One of the greatest gifts her folks gave her was they dearly loved Dale, as the son they never had. To Rubey, he was perfect.

To this union their four children were born – Dale Allen, William Bryan, David Dwight and Ann Elizabeth. Following the marriages of their children she was blessed with 12 grandchildren. Betty was an outstanding and doting grandmother as she followed numerous sports activities, school and church events, attending as many things as was physically possible, even flying to some. In 1998 came the first of her great grandchildren, a total now of 27, with another one on the way. They were the new wonderful joy of her life. She was a very proud Grandma Great. Betty was loved by her family and all enjoyed the gatherings she organized including trips to the “Diamond J” and Christmas. Betty worked with her mother and father at Graham County Abstract and Title Co., Inc. for many years. In 1992 she retired leaving the family business to her son David. In 2000, at the age of 70 (“if she was going to try something new she better do it”) she moved to Lindsborg, Kansas, where she worked at the golf course and enjoyed meeting new friends. Her grandchildren there felt that “it was like God sent an angel to help them”. Betty moved back to Hill City after some health issues.

She was always an avid reader and enjoyed doing research. She began working with Lowell and Jan Beecher to get the information at the Graham County Historical Society organized. They worked countless hours in the basement of the library. She began researching Graham County soldiers, with many trips to cemeteries and other outlets, eventually writing a book with the information she had gathered. It didn’t get published but the material was placed in the records at the Historical Society. She enjoyed giving tours of the Historical Society as well as participating in some of the informational programs, like the cemetery tour.

Betty had her share of medical problems beginning in 1988. After two bouts of cancer the treatments took a toll on her body. Four years ago began the onset of Alzheimer’s and Dementia. She then moved to Dawson Place Nursing Home. Now she had a whole new family with the residents and staff. She received excellent care and they all were so helpful.

Betty was a member of the Presbyterian Church serving as a Deacon as well as on many committees. She was also active in the Kansas Land Title Association, a member of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the American Revolution, the American Cancer Society as well as many other interests.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two infant brothers, and a great grandchild. Survivors left to celebrate her life and cherish her memory are sons: Dale Allen (Anne) Elliott, Savannah, Texas, Bill (Kay) Elliott, Norton, Kansas, David (Donna) Elliott, Hill City, and daughter Ann (Josh) Stetson, Anchorage, Alaska; 12 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and friends abounding. Betty was a woman of strength and met life’s challenges with the Lord’s help. Rest in Peace dear mother. We all love you so much.

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