Elizabeth A. "Betty" (Jarrett) Fields

Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Jarrett Fields, 97, formally of Kokomo, passed away June 23, 2025 in Greencastle, IN where she resided with her husband, Dr. Donald L. Fields, who was by her side at the time of passing. 

Betty embodied kindness and compassion throughout her life.   She cared little about her own needs and found her life’s purpose in giving of herself:  her time, her empathy, and her understanding.  Born the daughter of a minister, she embraced the teachings of Jesus in her life rather than imposing those teachings on others.  She advocated love, mercy and forgiveness and allowed those fundamentals to guide her life choices.   Betty dedicated much of her life to the service of others.  For half of century, she delivered Meals on Wheels to those who needed fed.   An educator herself, she worked tirelessly with P.E.O. (Philanthropic Education Organization Sisterhood), Chapter C-CY, holding offices as Chaplin, Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Vice President, and President and was recognized by the organization for her 50 years of service.  Betty was a long-time member of the United Methodist Women and active in the Medical Auxiliary, the Church League, and Children’s Council.   She regularly participated in nursing home visits, in voter registration efforts, and blood drives.   Betty served on a mission trip to Haiti in the 1990s.

Her love of the Arts was evident in her support for the Kokomo Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony,  Indiana University Opera, and she volunteered at the Havens Auditorium box office.  Betty and her husband traveled extensively both domestically and abroad, and she instilled a love of the National Park System in her children.    

Betty was born on February 5, 1928 in Indianapolis to Reverend Lee S. and Evelyn Coleman Jarrett.  During her early years the family moved often as Reverend Jarrett was assigned to Methodist churches in Carthage, College Corner, Milan, Rockport, Brookville, and finally Martinsville, where Betty graduated from high school.   She attended Indiana University in Bloomington and received a B.A. in Elementary Education in 1950.   She taught elementary school in Indianapolis, where she met her future husband Donald on a blind date.   Six months later she and Donald were married on August 23, 1952 in Rushville, IN at the St. Paul Methodist Church with Rev. Lee S. Jarrett officiating.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert Jarrett, two grandsons, Samuel Parker Fields and Jason Hinkle (Ling).   Betty is survived by her four children: Richard Fields (Myrna) of Spencer, IN, their children Riley and Ethan (Randee) and their children Parker and Daisy, and Susan Braswell (Chris) and their daughters Clara and Jillian;   Ann von Pentz (Bob) of Scottsdale, AZ, and their children Annalora and Nicholas; Barbara Fields Timm (Steve) of Reelsville, IN and their children Audrey (Raymond) and Calvin (Kaitlyn); and D. Scott Fields (Melanie) of Nashville, Tennessee and their daughter Mallory.  

A memorial service celebrating Betty’s life will held at 11:30 am Thursday, July 3, 2025 at Grace United Methodist Church, 219 W, Mulberry St., Kokomo, with Pastor Matt Swisher officiating.  Inurnment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.  Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 am until service time at the church on Thursday.   Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Hospital for Children, https://www.rileychildrens.org/about/ways-to-give.  Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with Betty’s arrangements.

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