Connie Kay Babbitt, 77 years old, of Chillicothe, Missouri, formerly of Milan, went home to be with her Lord on Monday January 11, 2021.
Connie was born June 15, 1943 in Kokomo, Indiana to Kenneth and Helen (Powell) Becker. Connie grew up in Broad-Ripple, Indiana. In 1963 she married Thomas Grant Parks and 3 children were born to this union. She later married Keith Babbitt in 1986; he preceded her in death in 2016. She was also preceded by: her parents; grandparents, Nora and Carl Becker and Homer and Bessie Powell; a half-brother, Donnie Henry; and several close friends.
Connie is survived by: one daughter, Christina and husband Richie Busby of Lawson, Missouri; two sons, Christopher and wife Shanin Parks of Princeton, Missouri, and Douglas and wife Gina Parks of Smithville, Missouri; the loves of her life, her grandchildren, T.J. Busby (Heather), Brittney King (Chris), Rachelle Rieckhoff (Logan), Ella Parks, Ava Parks, Josie Parks, and Watson Parks; great grandchildren, Jilliyn Busby, Maverick Busby, Tucker Tracy, Myah King, Macey King, Breana King, Makena King, and Brooke Rieckhoff; a cousin, Ledra Thornton of Elkart, Indiana; a brother, Elmer and wife Betty Henry of Florida; and a sister-in-law, Von Henry of Florida.
Connie graduated from school and went to beauty school, working for a couple years at Lebanon Hair Care. She married Tom and they farmed. The family all helped with the turkey business, and Connie also sold Avon for many years. In January of 1976 the family moved 400 miles from Lebanon, Indiana to Powersville, Missouri to a cattle ranch, where they also farmed and raised turkeys. In 1986 she married Keith and they moved to Milan where she worked at ConAgra for several years, making many friends. When Connie was 50 years old, she graduated from NCMC and received her RN Degree. She then worked at Milan Health Care, Sullivan County Memorial Hospital, Hospice, and at the Western Correctional Center as the Doctor’s nurse for many years. She was still working when she had two strokes in 2000 and 2005, but she never gave up.
Connie was an active member of the Baptist Church throughout her life, helping with Sunday School for many years. She loved her church family. In the past, Connie was a girl scout leader, served as the PTA President, and helped with the 4-H, teaching cooking classes. Connie will be missed for her friendly smile and helping others. She was devoted to her family, and enjoyed taking her grandchildren on trips over the years to several states, making great memories.
A viewing for Connie will be held 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 16, 2020 at Schoene-Ruschmeier Funeral Home in Milan. A private burial will then be held later at the Oakwood Cemetery in Milan.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church in Milan.