Obituary, Visitation & Funeral Information

Betty Jean Parker Franson was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 27, 1924 to Harold and Helen Parker. She passed into eternity on Monday, May 17, 2021 in Xenia, Ohio at the age of 97. She married Sherwood Franson on March 26, 1946. After 63 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on July 29, 2009. She is survived by two daughters, Sherry Lea Barbrow (Dan) of Greenville, South Carolina and Linda Rae Overturf (Roger) of Xenia, one son, David Franson (Cindy) of Wichita, Kansas, seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

The oldest of five children, Betty was preceded in death by her brothers Jim and Dick Van Wagner and sister, Pat Hart. Her youngest brother, Kenneth Van Wagner of Kendallville, Indiana survives.

Betty grew up in Alaska, Michigan and graduated from Caledonia High School in June of 1941. She worked part-time for her grandparents at their rural filling station before accepting a position with Bell Telephone Company in nearby Grand Rapids. There she rented a room close to her employer in the home of Irving and Elma Franson. When their eldest son, Sherwood, returned from serving in Italy during the Second World War, romance blossomed and the two were married less than a year later.

The couple lived in Grand Rapids until 1957, when “Woody,” as Betty’s husband was known, moved their growing family of two daughters and a son, to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Six years later, Woody’s career in the automobile industry took him to Ford Motor Company in Detroit, Michigan in the Summer of 1963. They settled in suburban Fraser, Michigan where Woody and Betty remained until moving to Xenia, Ohio in 2004.

Betty was an attentive stay-at-home mom for her three kids. She shared her deep Christian faith with them, and enjoyed guiding them to relationships with Christ. An active prayer warrior, Betty faithfully lifted up her family and friends daily and set an example for all who knew her. She and Woody spent their retirement years supporting their children and grandchildren in their scholastic, musical and athletic endeavors. They took great joy in offering inspiration and encouragement to their many friends as well.

A memorial service is planned for Washington Heights Baptist Church on Saturday, May 22 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Betty’s memory to Washington Heights Baptist Church, 5650 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, OH 45429-2286.

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