Charles Richard Bettis

It must have been a wonderful stroke of fate that two young men from Humboldt County ended up in the same Army unit in Italy during WWII. Cheryl and I were visiting with Charlie a couple of years ago as we were preparing to sell our family home. He told us again about how they all met.

Charlie was in Italy working in the records when he saw that Leonard Lillie, born in Scotia, was arriving soon. Charlie made sure they met and from that moment they became lifetime friends. Len shipped home first and I will never forget Irene telling us that he showed up at her door saying Charlie was fine and wanted him to give her a big hug and kiss. When Irene asked what Len was going to do next he said that he was going back to Texas to marry his sweetheart Maxine and bring her back to California. Charlie told us how our Daddy came over one day and said that lots were being sold on Dixie St in Rio Dell. The Bettis family and ours bought property, built houses, and we all grew up together. I have been looking at Mom and Daddy's old pictures and slides. What a great life they had and such a close neighborhood that included Paul and Zina Bettis, the Hoffer's, the Taylor's then the Sweet's, and so many more wonderful friends.

Charlie has always been an important part of my life, really more like an uncle than just a neighbor. Whenever I came home we always would spend a few minutes together, starting with a big hug. I am happy that he was able to keep his independence throughout his life. Time passes, our lives change and we loose the ones we've loved but we never forget them. I will miss Charlie and always remember him and be thankful that he has been a part of my life.

I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet husband, father, grandfather and friend. It was always a pleasure to run into Charlie & Irene over the years in Safeway or some other place around town. He never missed a chance to say hello and chat for a minute. See you down the road Charlie.

My thoughts are with all the Bettis family.Charlie was a very special man and greatly admired. Rest well Charlie. Love Bert Randall

Don't think you could ask for a better husband, father, brother, uncle than Charles Bettis. All the trips to Kansas (best times of my childhood), the way he loved my mom and dad, how he put up with those boys, lol. And mostly his undying love and devotion for Aunt Irene. That was Charlie Bettis. Love and miss ya

My thoughts & prayers are with Irene,Boys and their loving family.
I will miss our many phone chats about
life & funny tales of the "good ole days" with my dad.
He will be missed by everyone who knew him, but forever in our hearts.
Elaine (Bettis) Luz

Grandpa I hope you know how much we love and miss you and how much you meant to all of us. We will cherish all the wonderful memories. Thank you for everything especially for helping Greg deal with the loss of Rich. We love you

My wonderful great grandpa im so happy you got to be apart of Eians life your great great grandson you were an amazing man and you had nothing but faith and love in everyone. I love you so much and always will and you will always be missed and thought about.

Where do I begin. My Charles was not only my Grandfather, but also one of my favorite people in this world. He was a very important role in my life. If I didn't see him on a daily basis I would talk to him. These past couple years I have lived next to him. Spending time with him, talking and listening to his life time stories, going camping up at dad's property are all memories that I will cherish for my life time. I am very greatful that I have had my Grandpa in my life for as long as I have, and that my daughter had time to get to know her Great Grandfather. I had a very special bond with this man, one that no one will ever know the meaning of. I hope my marriage and my life lessions will be as great as his were. I love you Grandpa with all my heart and I will miss you more than words can express. Until we meet again~~

Charlie was a dear, dear man. It was an absolute joy to be around him and Irene. I cherish the memories.

Charlie Bettis was a special man and will be missed by many. Randy, Ronnie, and Rod, you and your family are in my thoughts prayers. Charlie was our neighbor, but was really more like family. He and Daddy were in the Army together in Italy during WWII, and came home and bought property in Rio Dell and built their houses together. One of Mom's favorite stories to tell was about Charlie coming to our house and walk the floor with me me (I was apparently a fussy baby) while she made dinner. Randy was the same age, but I guess he was a better baby. :) Appropriately, Charlie was the last neighbor to visit our house 2 years ago when Karan and I were cleaning and selling Mom's house. It is sad to see him go, but we know he is home with the Lord. And he is probably getting friends together and setting up a pinochle game!

How we will miss Charlie Bettis ! He was a bright spark in my life as far back as 1958. I can remember him working in the garage and he was always helping with his boys. I will always remember his smile and friendliness. He and Irene were wonderful members in the Rio Dell Church of Christ and Charlie always made everyone feel welcomed there and did a great job of leading the singing. He has left many memories in our hearts.

Great Man he touched Many Lives. He'll be Greatly missed & thought of often. My condolences to family. We feel Lucky to have known him.

I love you grandpa!!

Although I never knew Charles personally he and my father were cousins, both born in Dandridge, TN. My thoughts and prayers are with his California family who obviously loved him

Charles will be greatly missed by all.. The best dad any son could have.
Rest In Peace

Charlie was a man who set an example for all of us. Definately a man never to be forgotten.