Robert Betts

1931 - 2023

Robert Betts

January 20, 1931 - September 20, 2023

Sacramento, California - Bob was born in Chico, California January 20, 1931 and passed away September 20, 2023 surrounded by family playing his favorite Broadway tunes and telling him how much they loved him. He and twin sister Dorothee were born Jan. 20, 1931 to Norman Clifford Betts and Dorothy (Storie) Betts in Chico, California. With older brother Don, the family moved to Redding. He graduated from Chico State in 1953 and married Gerry Oberst in 1954, then moving to the east Bay Area to serve as an instructor at Parks Air Force Base. With daughter Cathy the family relocated to Sacramento, where Bob became a science teacher at C.K. McClatchy High School. Bob moved to J.F. Kennedy HS when that campus opened in 1966 and until his retirement in 1992 taught college prep physiology/anatomy to more than 6,000 students. His family expanded to include another daughter, Peggy, and sons Steve and David-both of whom were in Boy Scout Troop 34 of which Bob was scoutmaster. Bob shared his great appreciation of the outdoors, taking his family camping each year at Lassen Volcanic National Park. The tradition, known as "Camp Bob," continues with family and friends.

Bob and Gerry joined Bethany Presbyterian Church in 1957 and both were active in the choir and the Mariners group. Even into his eighties, Bob kept busy painting, repairing and enhancing the safety and appearance of the church. He was ordained as an elder and served more than two decades as clerk of session as well as lending. A hand at Sacramento Presbytery. The South Sacramento Interfaith Partnership was blessed by his service as Food Closet chairman for several years.

After Gerry's death in 1991, Bob married the Rev. Gail Cullerton in 1995 (deceased 2018) and enlarged the family more with Gail's children Karin, Keith, Kyla, Kurt and Kristin.

Cherishing Bob's memory are his sister, Dorothee (Richard) and his blended family: Cathy (Tim) Sapunor, Steve (Ali) Betts, Peggy (Joe) Ballard, David (Linda) Betts, Karin Rauh, Keith (Becky) Rauh, Kristin Rauh, Kurt Rauh (Kimberly), and Kyla Rauh. Also holding wonderful memories are grandchildren Greg (Polly) Ogata, Christine (Yosihai) Ogata Medina, Grace (Eric) Ogata Beutler, Katie Mae (Brian) Ballard Nell, Kaitlin Rauh, Max Rauh, Kurt Rauh, Karissa Parsons, Kassidy Rauh, Kennedy Rau, Julius Faller, Aiden Faller and Audrey Rauh. "Bob Bob" also leaves behind his beloved great-grandchildren: Alex, Jaxon, Olivia, Poppy, Justin Thomas (JT), David Joseph (DJ), and Lilly Parsons. Children and grandchildren of his sister Dorothee, and numerous nieces and nephews of late wife Gerry and brother Don (who passed away in 2004) also celebrate his life.

A celebration of Bob's life will take place Friday, November 3, starting 11 a.m. at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5625 24th Street, Sacramento. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the SSIP Food Closet, 5625 24th Street, in honor of Bob's commitment to feeding those who hunger in our community.

Please visit Harry A Nauman & Son's website for full length obituary and service details.