Elizabeth S. Parkes

Elizabeth "Betty" Parkes (nee Ortlieb) Died Monday, March 9, 2015 following a prolonged illness. Betty was born April 14, 1937 in Kingston, NY. She was the daughter of Arthur W. and Mary (Kelsch) Ortlieb. Betty is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Gerald Kenneth Parkes and their four children: Perry Lynn (Mark) Geiser, Terri Lee (Kurt) Mulson, Sherri Lorraine (Richard) Craft and Gerald Scott Parkes. Betty also leaves behind her loving grandchildren: Brandon (Vicki) Pease, Matthew and Gregory Mulson, Daniel and Michael Craft, and Allison and Andrew Parkes. She is also survived by her sister Lorraine Gerber of Riverside, California and her brothers-in-law, James (Eileen) Parkes of Crossville, Tennessee and Charles (Ricki) Parkes of St. Augustine, Florida. She is predeceased by her parents and brothers, Donald and Arthur Ortlieb. Betty is also survived by several nieces and nephews who came to love her as their second mother, her Kelsch cousins, and many friends from the Kingston area. A graduate of Kingston High School class of 1954, Betty was active in Leaders Club and cheerleading. She was on the May Queen Court and was Baseball Queen, and served as Secretary of her Senior Class. Betty was a parishioner of St. John's Parish in Woodstock, New York. She volunteered her time to the parish, participating as an active member of the "Pins and Needles" Ladies Group and the Bereavement Committee. Upon moving to Pine City, Betty was a member of St. Mary's Southside Parish in Elmira. Betty loved gardening, painting, antiquing, and family gatherings. Above all she enjoyed quiet times with her beloved Gerry and doting on her grandchildren. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY on Friday, March 13, 2015 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, March 14th in St. Mary's Church 224 Franklin Street Elmira, NY at 10:00 AM. The Reverend John DeSocio will celebrate Betty's Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to CareFirst (formerly Southern Tier Hospice and Palliative Care) at 3805 Meads Creek Road Painted Post, New York 14870. The family would like to thank the staff of CareFirst and Elcor Nursing Home for their care and compassion in this difficult time. Betty's guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com