Sarah Elizabeth (Ellison) Parr

Sarah Elizabeth Parr, lovingly known as Betsy, 71, of Roebuck, SC passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Born and raised in Spartanburg, SC, she graduated from Dorman High School in 1971. At the youthful age of 19, she met a sailor from Ohio (Rick Parr) who knew (the moment he saw her red hair) that he was going to marry her, and he did in 1973. Betsy and Rick moved to Carlisle, OH where they raised two children and lived for nearly 40 years. She lived her life in service to others and was known to be everyone’s best friend. It has been said by her nieces and nephews that they each believed they were her favorite. She was an orchestrator of greatness, loved to host gatherings and celebrations, and just made everything better. Betsy really enjoyed traveling and shared many houseboat trips with dear friends and family. She had an amazing career with the City of Middletown and was revered for her support of City Council as Municipal Clerk. Betsy also served as President of the State of Ohio Municipal Clerks Association and was nominated multiple times for the State of Ohio’s Clerk of the year award, which she won in 2010. After 30 years of service to the city, she retired in 2013, and relocated back to her roots in South Carolina. In 2016, the pair bought an RV and enjoyed adventuring across the country. Her sister, Mary, was her very best friend and the two were known to get the best bargains in the South. Betsy always loved children and any child that was blessed to know her felt her kind generous heart, especially her five grand-boys, who were the apple of her eye. She loved her people well. She was who she was without apology, and was filled with so much kindness, laughter, and sweetness. Her presence filled you with warmth and light that will always be cherished.

Betsy is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Richard "Rick" Parr; daughter, Holly Mull and her husband, Patrick; son, Ben Parr and his wife, Carrie; grandchildren: Shay, Peyton, Ryan, Casey, and Landon; sister, Mary Shook; many cherished brothers and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews; and her dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard Hardy Ellison and Sarah Elizabeth (Kitchens) Ellison, as well as her brothers: Ronnie and Dan Ellison.

In lieu of flowers, the family would love for you to honor Betsy with a donation or an act of charity:

Donate Blood:

Donate Blood, Platelets or Plasma. Give Life | Red Cross Blood

Donate or volunteer for the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program:

Brighten the Holidays - Salvation Army Middletown, OH

Donate or volunteer at the Humane Society:

Change 1 FUR life today, GIVE!

Donate to Children of Fallen Heroes:

Supporting Children of Fallen Heroes | Nonprofit for Military, First Responders, Foster Kids, Caregivers & Title I Schools