Though hearts on earth are hurting, heaven is rejoicing as they gained an angel on Nov. 8, 2018, when Betty Parr Gennaro, 87, went to meet Jesus.

Born in Frankfort, IN, on Feb. 15, 1931, to the late George A. and Ruby (Walter) Parr, Betty grew up in Clinton County and graduated from Frankfort High School. She attended Olivet Nazarene College in Kankakee, Illinois, where she met her future husband. On June 1, 1952, she married Joseph T. Gennaro at the Frankfort First Church of the Nazarene. The two celebrated their 66 ^th wedding anniversary this year. She and Joe lived in Lebanon for over 50 years, before moving to Plainfield in 2015.

Betty worked as an office receptionist for Dr. Robert Wiseheart for many years, as well as in several other doctors' offices in Indianapolis. She also worked in the office of Oak Hill Cemetery.

Her family was a source of great joy to Betty, as she loved spending time with her three children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. "Nana" as she was affectionately called, loved going to their school, church, and extracurricular activities. Few things made her happier than holiday gatherings with her family, including Christmas for which she prepared a homemade authentic Italian spaghetti dinner every year. In addition, Betty was known for her amazing cooking, including her fried chicken, mashed potatoes, potato salad, and iced coffee. Betty also loved traveling with Joe, sewing and reading her Bible, and in later years, having her grandsons Mason and Connor read it to her. She was a lifelong member of the Frankfort First Church of the Nazarene.

Friends remember her as a wonderful listener and neighbor who was never too busy to offer comfort and advice. Betty enjoyed keeping in touch with her friends through frequent phone calls and never missed an opportunity to visit. When friends would come by, Betty's faithful dachshund Zoe was always present on her lap.

Survivors include her husband, Joe Gennaro, of Plainfield; son, Ron Gennaro and his wife Cheryl of Carmel; daughters Mindy Harris and husband Jerry of Lebanon and Michelle Burress and husband Scott of Plainfield; grandchildren Jeremy (Sarah) Harris of Lebanon, Dr. Julie (AJ) Harris-Heston of Lubbock, TX, Jill Harris of Lebanon, Erin (Mike) Bollman of Tipton, Greg Gennaro of Carmel, and Mason and Connor Burress of Plainfield; and great-grandchildren Lydia, Amelia, and Elaine Harris; Alex and Timothy Heston; and Caedmon Bollman. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her sister Mary Ann Lipp, brothers Robert and Paul Parr; and grandson Joshua Harris.

Friends and family will gather Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018, for visitation from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and funeral services will take place Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, at 11 a.m. in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. You are invited to visit the website www.strawmyerdrury.com where you may sign her online register and leave a personal message.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene, 2056 E. Wabash Street, Frankfort, IN 46041.