Name: Service for Mary Angelique Betts
Start: 2023-02-25T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Daniels Chapel of the Roses Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.

Mary Angelique Betts
November 30, 1975 - February 1, 2023
Sadly, we announce the sudden passing of our beautiful daughter Mary Angelique Betts. Mary came into this world on a clear, snow-ladened November morning in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Loved by her proud parents Robert and Carla Betts.
Several months later she was whisked away to sunny San Jose to be close to her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. When she was three, she had an adventurist move to Sonoma County where she became a big sister. She remained there with her parents and sister until adulthood. She attended and graduated from Rancho Cotate High School, class of 1993 where she made life-long friends.
After high school, she married. Although a brief union, it allowed her the opportunity to move to Germany where her husband was stationed. She loved being in Europe, traveling from country to country. When she got back to the states, she continued to travel and explore new things.
She was a Bohemian in nature, loved gardening, art, music, holistic healing, and especially animals. For her green thumb and love of plants, she can thank her grandmother Betty Betts. From her mother, she got her love of art and music. Much more talented than her mother in both respects. Her love of animals came from both sides of the family.
Mary was a sensitive, very religious, compassionate soul especially towards those less fortunate or ill. She moved to Arizona to be closer to her family where she nursed her dying aunt and father, easing their final days. She always helped the underdog in every situation, spending years counseling substance abuse victims. Highly intelligent with a love for learning, Mary recently graduated from Grand Canyon University in Arizona with a bachelor's degree in Psychology. She was working on her master's degree when she passed away. Her goal was to become a doctor and help abused and addicted teens.
Mary joins her grandparents Carl and Marjorie Cryar, Roy W. Betts and Betty Betts, her father Robert Betts, aunts Sandy Burnaman and Sharon Myers, cousins Roy Otterholt and baby Ava Betts in heaven with God.
She is survived by her parents Carla and Noel Alven, sister Robin Betts, nephew Evin Weeks, grandmother Ineko Betts, uncles and aunts Jon-Nolan Paresa, Betty De Los Santos (Ernest), Paul Cryar (Angie), Russell Betts, Valerie Betts, Steve Betts (Iris), Susan Cassara (Gino); cousins Betina Lozano, Vanessa Gonzalez, Ryan Cryar, Cameron Cryar, Anton De Jong, Sherry Traylor (Frank), Sean Betts (Katie), Shannon Moore (Steve), Shad Betts, Shane (Jessica) Betts, and many second and third generation cousins. We miss her with all our hearts.
Services will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 10:00 am at the Daniels Chapel of the Roses Funeral Home, Santa Rosa, CA.
If you would like to donate in her name, please consider NAMI or any religious affiliation of your choice as both were extremely important to her.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press Democrat on Feb. 19, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Betts

Sponsored by Daniels Chapel of the Roses Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. - Santa Rosa Daniels Chapel of the Rose.

26 Entries

Ryan cryar

March 23, 2023

One of my core memories of Mary was when I was younger. I had three hundred dollars of cash in my wallet at the time when visiting family for Christmas. I remember Mary talking to me about the importance of budgeting but making sure to be generous with it as well. I think that was just a formative moment to think about money in both the responsible sense and as a gift that can be used to help others , and am grateful for that memory.

Mom and Noel

March 11, 2023

Mom and Noel

March 11, 2023

Mom and Noel

March 11, 2023

Mom and Noel

March 11, 2023

Cameron Cryar

March 21, 2023

One memory that I will cherish for the rest of my life is when my cousin Mary and I were playing around with my new guitar. She was at our house for a holiday with a lot of other family members and I just started to learn the guitar. I was about 12, and she loved that I showed interest in learning so she gave me some very helpful tips. She was very encouraging and thoughtful in her way of teaching. Also, she encouraged me to pursue things that I love. I will always remember Mary and her kindness. Miss you!

Aunt Susan and Uncle Gino

March 18, 2023

When I brought my husband Gino from NY to AZ to meet the family and he met Mary for the first time it was love at first sight. They adored one another. They made each other laugh over just about everything and Gino always believed in Mary.
Mary loved the Lord, her family, her fur babies, God's wonders and learning. She was always learning. She had just graduated from GCU and was on a path to counsel young people. Mary had such a giving heart. She could sense when someone was in need, be it a meal, advice, or encouragement, and she reached out to help. She touched so many lives and we are all better off having known her. We love you Miss Mary!!!!

BettyLee De Los Santos

March 15, 2023

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Mary was my first niece who had a soft and gentle personality. She had a beautiful smile and a caring heart. I have many fond memories of her playing with my girls whenever we would come to Tutu and Grandpa house for visits. She is loved dearly and will be missed by all her family.
Love from Auntie Betty

Shannon

March 15, 2023

Dear cousin Mary,

It was a joy to grow up and have so many childhood memories together! You were always beautiful, kind and caring.
I´m so thankful for the times we got to spend together and that each of my children have sweet memories of you.
Jude- "I remember going camping with Mary and how fun she was to talk to."
Isaac "We need to let George Lucas know that Mary passed because she met him once and he needs to know." Mom- "But Isaac, George Lucas won´t remember Mary." Isaac-"Of Course he will, Mom! Who wouldn´t remember Mary?!"
Jacob- "I remember how she made the Betts Christmas White Elephant games very exciting!"
Andrew "I remember camping with her and seeing all the beautiful butterflies with her."
Eloise "I remember looking at family recipes with her at our house."
Magnolia "I remember her doggie would come with her and that Bella was so tiny and cute!"

Mary, you poured into the life of many during your short time on this earth.

I´m beyond thankful for your love for our Savior and Lord and that you shared your testimony of his love so often.
My Dad was your godfather and so of course you always had a special place in his heart.

I´m grateful for the time we got to celebrate your graduation from GCU. What a gift for us to have been able to see you complete this dream of yours and what a great job you did finishing well. Little did we know that you would be graduating from this life just weeks later, while way too soon, you have finished well.

We all miss you and our hearts ache but we rest in knowing that you are with our Lord. I love you Mary and am thankful to have been your cousin.

Valerie

March 14, 2023

Mary, her parent's firstborn, arrived the winter before our firstborn son's spring arrival. While as new parents we were young & embracing our own futures, it took no courage for us to set out to face the world of discovery. Mary lived & loved this adventurous discovery in many ways. It fit so well with her.
Our families moved to different states, yet there were many times our kids were able to reconnect.
Mary was always a sweet playmate that inherently governed herself with corporation, joy & leadership. Her child self was simply delightful. Rather it was playing with just a few cousins or leading the way to gather up more kids to join in, she was engaged in joy being her reward.
As an adult Mary moved to AZ, mainly to give care for a dying aunt. We had many long talks during those many days & nights. Mary grew to know her Lord & Savior, with a bursting testimony to share to whoever would listen. Satisfying a tedious responsibility she never hesitated to share an appropriate joke or speak of the Lord.
I remember how she took effort to garden, can, decorate, work with her father's tools, she was meticulous in having order around her. Eventually, her father knew & embraced a desire to listen about Jesus Christ - with Mary's love & patience.
We will miss you Mary, until we meet again.
Valerie B

Carla Alven

March 11, 2023

Dear Mary,

Your family, your friends are here today to say goodbye and wish you well on your journey to be with God and those that have traveled before you. I know you would be so happy to see everyone here and know how incredibly you are loved. To know you have touched all our lives.

Although, you were an adult when you passed, you will always be my baby. (Parents always say that, don´t they). A baby is born from love, through incredible pain and joy. That is what I felt the day you came to us. The minute I held you, I knew you would be one of the great loves of my life. And you are. As God loves his children, so do earthly parents. Parents love their children no matter what. Whether you are being loving and kind to us or being a royal pain in the tush, we love you always. That love doesn´t fade, it grows and changes as we go through life together. It is the most intense love a person can ever feel. Like the universe, there are many suns, stars, moons to brighten our days and nights. You are one of those bright lights. And like a star that has burned out, your light will live on long after we have joined you in heaven. Like that star my love for you will burn brightly.

You were what God made you. A bit Bohemian, a little quirky, intelligent, artistic, a beautiful, compassionate, sensitive soul. Always wanting to help those that needed an extra hand in their lives; the children, elderly, sick and sad. That is why God took you sooner than we expected. I'd like to think you were needed to help him in heaven with the little ones, the scared, the confused. Maybe even give your Tutu someone else to talk to.

As in birth, death is from love, through incredible pain and joy. We love you deeply, that will always be true. A good friend of mine recently told me that the deeper the love, the greater the grief. We are grieving and in incredible pain as you leave us. That will take time to soften, not go away completely, but soften with sweet memories. Whenever I see butterflies or hummingbirds, the bulbs you gave me and the flowers that come from them, the laughter of little kids, and old people, I will see you, hear you and think of you with a smile. There is joy that you are joining God and not bothered by earthly pains, sorrows and worries.

Goodbye my sweet baby. Enjoy God and heaven. We got a nice place for you to rest in the sunshine and by a tree. I promise to bring you flowers and maybe a little gossip.

Love from the bottom of my heart, Mom

Mom and Noel

March 11, 2023

Mary, we mourn your loss.
The loss of the baby nestling in my arms.
The loss of the toddler running joyfully around the yard.
The loss of the child full of little girl charm.
The loss of the woman you grew to be.
The loss of the woman yet to be.
Love with all our hearts and souls,
Mom and Noel

Shannon Moore

March 10, 2023

My cousin Mary: it´s the summer before 5th grade & I had never met anyone who was more cool. I mean, she not only introduced me to Bubble Yum, but it was Strawberry Banana, not just Original.
We got to walk to the gas station by ourselves and since she was 2 years older than me, we´d even get to walk all the way to Mill Ave to buy giant jawbreakers.

She left the city life in California when she came to spend summers with her dad in Arizona. She always had a valley girl accent, or so I thought it was.

And when we were even younger, she would visit us in rural Arizona where we played in the mud after it rained, we milked goats and I wondered if she was bored at times because we didn´t have a tv, but of course not, as she grew wherever she was planted.

The summer before 6th grade was one of the best, she taught me how to roll my eyes, told me about a ghost named Bloody Mary, showed me how to snap bubble gum...and that´s the year she taught me my very first curse word, "hella". I was intimidated at times that she seemed to know so much about things that I didn´t. Like what a caboodle was, how to put on makeup, the fact that she wore jewelry & was allowed to listen to music that I wasn´t. She was so much fun! Living in a house full of brothers, I was so sad when she & her sister went home, but comforted knowing I´d see them again.

I´m thankful for our childhood memories when we didn´t have a care in the world. This cousin was a self-proclaimed ruthless white elephant participant & she won that badge at family Christmas parties. She was working on her masters degree at GCU in counseling & spoke about compassion fatigue.

During Mary´s life, there were times she was daring, she overcame often, she was very private in many ways and not so much in other ways.

Mary was creative & incredibly eccentric. She spoke so often about her love for Jesus & preached at times to anyone who would listen. She had the most beautiful & biggest smile and the tiniest dog that followed her everywhere.

She was a lover of learning & a keeper of knowledge. I´d like to always remember her as being the hella cool cousin she was who grew so richly in her love for Jesus.

And just like when we were kids, I´m sad she went home, but comforted knowing I´ll see her again.

Mary, you are deeply missed and loved beyond measure. Just as you would want, our hope & trust are in His loving arms always.

Ondrea

February 27, 2023

Mary my dearest friend, we go back to our childhood and made many memories together. We always had so much in common and connecting with you again years later was as of no time had passed. I loved and miss our talks and laughs at night and I miss you more than anything. You were such an amazing and gracious and graceful person and so much more. Your faith in God and love and peace was such a beautiful part of your beautiful being. You were the best part of my childhood and life my friend. Love you always.

Katie

February 25, 2023

Mary had such a sweet spirit and caring heart. After the passing of our daughter last year she would reach out to us often to make sure we were doing okay. She brought such a comfort to us, especially my husband Sean.

Because we lived in different states I only met her in person a handful of times. I remember going shooting with her down in Sierra Vista and then getting to spend time with her this past Christmas season.

She was passionate about education and helping those around her. We were so proud of her when she got her degree and know she was looking forward to helping others through their rehab process.

She will be greatly missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing her.

Sean B

February 25, 2023

Dearest Mary,

I was deeply saddened to hear about your passing. You are a wonderful person, full of compassion and kindness, and I will truly miss our conversations about philosophy, gardening, and homesteading. You were always so smart and insightful, and you brought so much joy and light to my life and this world.

I will never forget the many wonderful memories we shared together, and I will always cherish the time we spent together. You were a true inspiration to me and to so many others, and your legacy will live on forever in the hearts and minds of those who knew you.

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. I hope that they can find comfort and solace in the many happy memories they shared with you, and that they can take some comfort in knowing that you are still around and that you can still hear us and will be watching over us.

Until we meet again, dear cousin. You will be deeply missed.

With love and condolences,
Sean Betts

Donna Silva-Torres

February 23, 2023

I got to spend time with Mary (my second cousin) during our visit when we came for her Tutu's (my aunty's) celebration of life. She was so sweet, and pleasant even if we're several years apart I've learned things from her. What we had in common was the Love we had for our Lord and Savior Jesus. She's His night and shining armor, the apple of His eye. She was an instrument of God's use for humanity, I can imagine the Lord saying with His open arms and holes in His hands and saying well done my good and faithful servant. She Loved helping the unfortunate, underdog, and sickly I can go on and on cause, there were many things Mary was to many people I am honored and privileged to have spent the time and stories with her. I also would like to say a few words for her mother Carla we can't fantom or understand why nor can I understand what your going through but there is hope that Mary is closer to your future. My heart breaks and aches for you Carla I'm here for you, I Love You

Bino

February 20, 2023

Mary was my 2nd cousin on my mothers side. Yes a parent should never ever bury their child. Cannot imagine how Carla & her family is going through. My heart goes out to the entire Betts family. The Angels have taken her to The Lord's beautiful garden to await us. She is at peace. Mary, you are loved. Rest in peace.

Stephen

February 20, 2023

The first time I ever met Mary was when she came to Arizona to take care of her Aunt Sandy who was battling cancer. She was eager and willing to help in any way she could. It seemed no matter her age in life she was always wanting to learn and grow in her knowledge of this world. From horticulture to human psychology to awesome nature of God and His unsearchable ways, Mary sought to learn daily. She was a sweet soul with a kind heart and a beautiful smile.

Elizabeth Sulger

February 19, 2023

I didn't have the opportunity to create a ton of memories with Mary. But I always heard family speak highly of her. How funny she was, it was always a joy to briefly catch up during family get togethers. She had no problems keeping you interested in the stories she had to share. Her laugh was so incredibly contagious.
And from what I witnessed she was skilled at loopholes. I believe this last 'Betts Family Christmas' we names her the honorary Queen of The White Elephant Gift Exchange. We will miss those times.
I know it broke the hearts of many that knew and loved her well to hear her earthy form is no longer with us, I find peace in knowing how strong her faith was and that we will meet again.

Lanette Watson

February 19, 2023

Lanette Watson

February 19, 2023

Lanette Watson

February 19, 2023

Mary and Rudy baptized my firstborn Ginger back in 2001. It was such a beautiful day and a beautiful memory and I have so many others with you my dear friend. You will always be with me in my heart. You are my bestie, sister, & godmother to my child and we are bonded forever.
With all my love,
Lanette

Dave, Jen, Lorin and Danielle

Planted Trees

Shad

February 19, 2023

My dear cousin Mary,
I always thought Mary was beautiful and unique. Interested in many many different crafts. There was always something new to to talk with her about, always something new to learn from her. She seemed to always be taking care of someone or some creature. What a wonderful woman.

Jennifer Sulger

February 19, 2023

Mary was beautiful. She radiated her love for God, people, and especially animals. I pray that all her loved ones will find peace and in knowing you will see her again. May God bless Mary and provide comfort for her loved ones, including her sweet pets.

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