John William "Bill" Betts Jr.

John William Betts, Jr. "Bill" Our loving husband, daddy, "Poppa", son, brother, and friend, was called home to be with our Lord and Savior on January 19, 2012 after courageously battling ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease. He was a resident of Santa Fe, born July 9, 1949 to John and Marie Betts of Tucumcari, NM. Bill graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with a degree in Accounting and moved to Santa Fe where he worked for Neff and Company Certified Public Accountants. He also worked for Peat, Marwick, and Mitchell before starting his own Public Accounting Practice and later forming a partnership with two other accountants. Bill's love for his clients and his standard for excellence continuously enables him to serve with utmost integrity. Bill was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church for over 30 years. During that time, his love for Christ grew and his faithfulness to the Lord increased. He obediently served the Lord in many capacities, among them Sunday School Teacher, Youth Sponsor, Confirmation Mentor, Bible Study Coordinator, Communion Steward, The Walk to Emmaus, and Promise Keepers. Bill was a member of the Gideon's, and had fellowship with Calvary Santa Fe, Blaze, and Church of God. Bill was actively involved in the Santa Fe Jaycees, and Coronado Kiwanis. His dedication to the community through Prison Outreach, Junior Miss Pageant, Special Olympics, the Santa Fe Fiesta, and many more projects were evidence of his unconditional love and generosity. He was preceded in death by his father, John Betts, Sr. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Rosalie. They are the proud parents of: JW (Stephanie), David (Wendy), Leslie Prada (Brad), and Rachel (Fiance Bryn). In addition, he is survived by his mother, Marie R. Betts; sister, Mary Helen Leininger (Gail); brother, Rodney Betts (Sherry); eight beautiful grandchildren; mother-in-law, Louise Vigil; aunt, Hazel Betts West; sisters and brothers-in-law, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be missed and remembered by his many friends, clients, and loved ones. His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren. "Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last." A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at 1 p.m. at St. John's United Methodist Church, 1200 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87505. The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The ALS Association, 2000 Randolph Road, Suite 107, Albuquerque, NM 87106 or the MDA Association, 6733 Academy Road NE, Suite D-2, Albuquerque, NM 87109. The family has entrusted their loved one to: The Rivera Family of Santa Fe Funeral Options 417 East Rodeo Road ~ Santa Fe, NM 87505 Santafefuneraloption.com (505)989-7032