Douglas Alan Betschart

DOUGLAS ALAN BETSCHART was born to Orville and Ellen Betschart in Turlock, California on September 22, 1955 and passed from this world on October 22, 2024. He was the 4th child of 4 children, siblings Karen, David, and Gary.
Doug grew up on his family farm and dairy in Livingston, California. Helping with the dairy, alfalfa and watermelon business, which he liked to tell everyone he learned to drive tractor at the age of 4. They added almonds in later years.
Doug attended school in Livingston, in high school he was actively involved in FFA while he still continued to help his family business. After graduation he attended trade school in Denver Colorado where he received his certification as an auto repair and restoration specialist. He worked for a local auto restoration company when he returned to California.
Doug also worked with his brother Gary in a hay hauling business for several years. Then he moved on to being a welder at Kirby Mfg and Cucklers Mfg.
During this time he met Sandra Nightengale in June of 1976, they started dating at this time. Doug would say he knew she was the one shortly after their first date. On April 2nd of 1977 Doug and Sandra were married; they had 2 children, Angela and Anthony.
Doug continued farming with watermelons and almonds while also working for Nightengale Construction as a field coordinator for about 20 years.
As their children grew, Doug and Sandra were very involved in many activities with them, starting in 1982 with Anthony and the Angela joining gymnastics for about 4 years. In 1983 Angela also started playing T-Ball during summer ball in Delhi, which Doug coached. By the time Anthony started T-Ball Doug had joined the Delhi Parks and Recreation Board. He and Sandra continued to coach baseball and softball in Delhi until their children started high school.
In 1987 Angela joined Livingston 4-H, so Doug and Sandra became leaders. Doug became the rocketry leader while both children eventually moved onto sheep breeding project which grew into 40 head of ewes.
Being involved in 4-H moved into high school where, Doug enjoyed helping the LHS Ag Boosters and Athletic Boosters with various fundraisers including bbq'ing for many dinners. He always enjoyed working with the community, especially when it benefited the children of the community, plus it gave him the opportunity to meet new and old friends. They even helped with Sober Grad for both their children and for several years after their children had graduated.!
As their children grew to adults and moved onto their life journeys, Doug and Sandra started to talk about what their future needed. They became involved in Amway for several years and loved the upbeat Sunday morning services at events. They discussed looking for a church that would give them that same positive feeling and closeness to God. After looking at several churches they attended New Life Christian Center in about 1999. This church was the perfect fit and it filled the emptiness they had both been feeling they needed.
After attending services for a few years, Doug started ushering. He enjoyed ushering and meeting member of NLCC and eventually he became the head usher.
Doug felt this was his calling, and absolutely loved the interaction with all the usher, staff and pastoring team. He would say that this is what God meant for him to do in service.
Doug and Sandra have had many challenges and blessings over their 47 years together, but always knew that God would be there to help them through whatever came their way.
As years have gone by Doug and Sandra continued to support the community, Relay for Life after Sandra's battled with breast cancer, for 10 years and for the last 2 years LHS All Alumni Group as board members. Doug served on the Scholarship Committee again continuing his dedication to the youth of the community. He also worked at encouraging others to join the group so that the work can continue to grow.
Doug leaves his memories to the many who loved him; his wife of 47 years, Sandra; his daughter, Angela and her spouse Mark Hubble their children Aubrey Hubble, Ashley Pierce and her spouse Cole, Michael Hubble; his son Anthony and his spouse Jessica Betschart, their sons Teagan Betschart and Aiden Betschart; his sister, Karen and her spouse Larry Crane, their son Scott Crane his children Benjamin, Matthew, Caleb and Elle; their daughter Krissy and her spouse Joshua Brooks, their daughter Kiera, their son Ezra, their son Judikae and their daughter Phoebe; their daughter Kelly Crane and her spouse Chris Smith; his brother David's wife Leora Betschart; their son David and his spouse Cynthia Betschart, their son Chase and their daughter Camryn; their son Jack and his spouse Lisa Betschart, their son Bryce, their son Jaxon and their daughter Londyn; their daughter Jessica Betschart Kodesh and her sons Tyler, Bobby and Tristen; their daughter Cassidy Betschart; his brother Gary's son Wayne and his spouse Linda, their sons Patrick, Andrew and Sam; his daughter Brandi and her spouse KC Anderson, their daughter Taylor and her spouse Alex Ghanavati; their sons Kolton, Wyatt, Tanner, Cooper and Cutter. Doug has also leaves his in laws, Ivan and Lora Nightengale along with their children Brenda and Larry Saavedra and family, Chris and Nikki Nightengale and family, Karen Melendez and her family, Michelle and Nathan Perry and family, plus many great nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by both parents, Orville and Ellen Betschart, brothers David Betschart and Gary Betschart.
Doug will be great missed by many friends who loved him; several that called him brother or dad.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to lhsallalumi.org or New Life Christian Center in Turlock. Memorial services will be held on Saturday November 2nd, 10:00 am at New Life Christian Center 2918 W Tuolumne Road in Turlock 95380, enter the church parking lot from Tuolumne Road by Pedretti Park. Reception to follow at NLCC.
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