Parkhill, Betty A.

Betty Ann Parkhill, age 76, passed away Saturday, October 7, 2017, in Fort Worth, Texas.  She was born May 6, 1941, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, to Sylvia (Ward) Smythe and Freddie William Smythe. Trained as an accountant, Betty utilized her skills in a fifty-year working career.  While living in Durango, Colorado, she and Harry owned and operated two retail stores, San Juan Rug and Leather Company, a gift shop, as well as Parkhill’s a ladies clothing store.  Betty developed the stores tag line, “The way you want to look”.  Among other things, she served as comptroller for a major vending machine company, audited mortgage companies for compliance with regulations, prepared personal and corporation income tax returns, and processed business interruption insurance claims for several insurance companies.  As a concerned citizen, Betty was comptroller of the Tarrant County Democratic Party for several years. As a particular concern, Betty worked several years helping young people overcome their drug habits. Betty was an avid supporter of the ASPCA.  She always carried a rescue box in the trunk of her vehicles with supplies of food, water, etc.  She went out of her way to go through areas where people were known to leave dogs and rescued countless animals. She enjoyed fishing and was a charter member of the Texas Bass ‘n Gal Fishing Club.  She held the record, in the state of Texas, for the largest fish caught by a woman during one calendar year in the late 1970’s.  Betty’s other hobbies included oil painting, writing prose, home décor, sewing, and gardening.  She was well known for her discerning skills in color blending. Betty is survived by her husband, Harry Parkhill, of Ft. Worth, Texas.  Her daughters, Dawnna Englund, of Arlington, Texas;   Debra Viers and husband, Steve, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa;  Diana Clarke and husband, Tim, of Watauga, Texas;   son-in-law, Michael Creese of Springtown, Texas.  Also  stepson, Michael Parkhill and wife, Faye, of Arlington, Texas, and stepdaughter, Nancy Parkhill Taylor and husband, Jim, of Gordon, Texas;  18 beloved grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. Betty’s two brothers, Fred Smythe and wife, Pam, of Colorado and Wes Smythe of New Mexico. Betty was preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Darien Creese, of Springtown, Texas. Betty was a faithful member of Calvary Lutheran Church of Richland Hills Texas.  She will be remembered by all who knew her as a caring and loving person. Memorial services will be held at l:00 p.m. on Monday, October 23, 2017, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 7620 Baker Blvd., Richland Hills, Texas, 76118.  The family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.  Interment will be at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.       Please send the family condolences and sign the guest book on this site. Arrangements are under the direction of: Aria Cremation Service & Funeral Home 1820 N. Belt Line Road Irving, Texas 75061 972-607-4400