Elizabeth M. "Betty" Parish, age 88, of Defiance passed away on Thursday, July 23, at the Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.  She was born on September 1, 1926 in Norwalk, Ohio to Bruce and Hazel (Ewell) McDonald.  She graduated from Defiance High School in 1945 and on July 17, 1947 Betty married the love of her life, Neil B Parish in Norwalk. He preceded her in death on August 30, 1999. Betty was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.  Although primarily a housewife, she worked at various times for Barnes Restaurant, Mercury Cleaners, and as the manager of Spangler's Drug Store & Photo Shop.  She was a life member and past President, Secretary and Treasurer of the American Legion Post 117 Ladies Auxiliary. Betty was an active member of St Paul's Lutheran Church for 60 years and enjoyed preparing and serving meals for the Defiance Rotary and for numerous events that took place at St Paul's.  If you needed a cake, pie or cookies for a charitable event, she would bake them.  As busy as she was, she never turned down the opportunity to babysit her grandchildren or great-grandchildren.  All who knew her were amazed at her generous heart and her concern for others.  She was greatly loved and will be missed. Betty is survived by her son Dennis (Debbie) of Perrysburg, daughters, Rebecca Gutman (Rick Holler) of Defiance, Beth (Dick) Miller of Wauseon, and Lori (Brad) Brandt of Evansport; along with 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and over a dozen nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Neil, brothers, Robert McDonald and Roger MacDonald, sister Rosemary Thatcher and twin sons, Carroll & Darroll Parish. Family & friends may visit on Monday, July 27th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at Schaffer Funeral Home, 529 Jefferson Ave, Defiance.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 28th at 11:00 AM at St Paul's Lutheran Church, 671 Clinton St, Defiance, with Pastor Dave Brobston officiating.  Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery. Betty's children would like to thank the Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center, along with Jennifer VanCleve and Betty's granddaughter, Shannon Brandt for the loving care and comfort they gave to our mother.  A special thank you to George & Ann Essex for their long friendship and devotion to our parents and our family, and to Rev. Dave Brobston for his faithful visits. Memorial contributions may be made to St Paul's Lutheran Church or the Defiance Area Hospice Center.