In Loving Memory of

Betty Parks

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Betty Parks (neé Betty Joy Doreen Lazell), beloved wife of Ken Parks, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2021, at the Foam Lake Jubilee Home. Ken and family are very grateful to the staff for the level of care given to her during her time there. 

Betty was born on the family farm near Davidson, SK on November 14, 1936, to Fred and Anna Lazell. She grew up on the farm with her five sisters and two brothers. Having known that life, it was natural for her to want a large family of her own. Betty was the mother to six boys and three girls. Ever since she was a toddler, music filled her life. Her brothers and sisters continuously sang, entertained, and would also play instruments when their parents were able to provide them, depending on how difficult farming was in any given year. While growing up, Betty went to the Reber rural school and later to the Davidson town school. She helped with chores and gardening on the farm and learned to play the guitar. After she completed her schooling, she took a job at the dental office in Davidson in 1952, then went on to be a telephone operator at the phone exchange in Lumsden. 

Betty married Kenneth Herbert Parks on December 28, 1954, and last year they celebrated sixty-six years together. They lived in many cities and towns in Manitoba and Saskatchewan over the years, the most recent being Wynyard from 1968-1996 and Foam Lake from 1997-2021. Betty was a member of the United Church and spent many years singing in the choirs in Wynyard and Foam Lake. Throughout the years Betty worked at many different jobs in restaurants, floral, retail and in various small businesses that they started together over the years. She spent countless hours knitting, reading, listening to the radio, while enjoying her strong tea or coffee and a fine cigarette. Through it all, her warm smile was always present. While raising her family, many trips were taken to visit family in the Craik and Davidson area. Fishing and camping were also enjoyable getaways to Last Mountain Lake and Fishing Lake. After retirement, Betty spent a lot of time reading and gardening, while spending as much time as possible at the cabin at Fishing Lake. During most of these years she enjoyed their Bichon mix pooch, Rascal, at her side.

Betty is survived by her husband, Ken Parks, of Foam Lake, SK, sister Helen Gust, of Sherwood Park, AB, brother-in-law Jim Runzer, of Penhold, AB, sister-in-law Elizabeth Parks of Regina, SK, daughter Gwen Croswell of Wynyard, SK, son Terry (Audrey) of North Grove, SK, son Roger of Elfros, SK, son Don (Karen) of Calgary, AB, daughter Deb Parks of Foam Lake, SK, son Murray (Linda) of Kelliher, SK, son Brad of Saskatoon, SK and son Colin (Shelly) of Beaumont, AB, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

Betty leaves behind so many beautiful grandchildren and great grandchildren. They always brought a smile to her face when she saw them, or when she simply thought of them, or recited their names. 

Her 11 grandchildren are Kimberley Croswell (Alan), Preston Croswell (Rosie), Kenley Croswell (Janice), Jennifer Parks (Gord), Jonathan Parks (Stefanie), David Parks (Ania), Michelle Bairstow (Bryan), Mark Zemlak (Jess), April Plessl (Justin), Amber Kluz (Jordan), and Catlin Parks (Shauna). Alexandra and Steele also held a special place in Betty’s heart in recent years.

Her 11 great grandchildren are Abigail and Alexander Croswell, Lucy and Laela Parks, Hunter, Lennon, and Grey Plessl, Nathan and Lane Croswell, Dax and Jase Kluz. 

Betty was predeceased by her father, Frederick John Lazell, her mother Anna Lydia Lazell (neé Alt), sisters June Lazell, Anita McGowan, Kathleen “Kay” Gust, and Shirley Runzer, brothers Roland Lazell and Eric Lazell, daughter Sharon Parks, grandson Ryan Croswell, brothers-in-law Wilfred “Bill” Gust, Harvey Gust, and Ted McGowan, son-in-law Ken Zemlak, and daughter-in-law Marilyn Olafson. 

Betty was typically soft spoken and introspective, didn’t like a crowd, yet known in the Foam Lake area as a guitarist in the band known as the Circle Jammers, a collective group of local musicians who simply love to entertain folks in the area. Along with her husband, Ken, she performed at many events over the years. 

Betty will be sadly missed by her family and friends. A celebration of her life will be held at a future date that will be announced to family and friends.