Memorial
Barbara Jean Sabo, age 91, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2023, at the Promedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Cedar Rapids, where she resided the past few months.
She was one of five children born to John and Lillian (McGowan) Etzel in Marion, Iowa, on June 22, 1931. Sisters - Mildred Hartford, Dorothy Odean, and Reta Hunte along with her only brother, Frank Etzel, all predeceased her.
She graduated from Wayne High School, Wayne, MI. At the age of eighteen she became the young bride of Ross Parrish who she married in 1949. They made their home in Garden City, MI. This union produced two boys, Ross Parrish Jr. and Rex Parrish. She stayed in Garden City allowing her sons to graduate and to be close to their paternal side of the family. She missed her Iowa family and returned in the mid 1980's. She loved working in the field of assisted living within the Cedar Rapids area. It is where she made lasting friendships and also met her life partner, Bob Yoder. They were happily together for over 30 years.
Barbara will always be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was an energetic and caring worker; she loved people and was quick to lend a helping hand. She was a very giving person and always remembered everyone's birthday and anniversary with a card. She kept an immaculate home which was always surrounded by beautiful flowers. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed using fresh vegetables from their garden. She loved going to casinos, enjoyed the buffets and winning jackpots.
To cherish her memory, she leaves her best friend and loving partner, Bob Yoder, her two sons, Ross Parrish (Laura) of Saint Johns, FL and Rex Parrish (Pat) of Onsted, MI. She has four grandchildren, Ross Parrish Ill (Ashley Silvia) Jacksonville, FL, Cherie Parrish (Gray King) Saint Johns, FL, Debbie Koehler (Brian), Appleton, WI, and Tonya McKee (Chris) Saline, MI, five great grandchildren, Hanna Koehler (Brandon May), Kerrigan Koehler, Kennedy Koehler, Christopher McKee and Taylor McKee.
Family and friends may gather at the Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom, on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, from 11 am — 1 pm with services to begin at 1 pm at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories.