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William Bettles Obituary

Rancho Santa Fe William Burton Bettles, WWII veteran and co-founder of Glazebrook and Bettles, the real estate development company based in La Jolla, died June 21st in his home in Rancho Santa Fe.The larger than life "Wild Bill", along with Ken Glazebrook, was responsible for building many custom homes and commercial properties in La Jolla, Pacific Beach and Coronado, in addition to the first air-conditioned shopping center in California. Bill went on to build and develop properties in Rancho Santa Fe, Carlsbad, San Antonio, Dallas and Utah with his wife, Jonelle.Bill was one of two children of Alec and Lillian Bettles, born in Reno, Nevada, and raised in Oakland, California. Bill joined the Navy in WWII, serving in the South Pacific. He married Jean Wilhelm and moved to La Jolla where they had their first home on Dolphin Place. Jean died in 1996 and his daughter, Sue, died April 1, 2016. Surviving are their children, Barbara St John, Tom Bettles, Steve Bettles, Jeanne O'Leary, Carol Murphy and Dave Bettles.Bill married Jonelle Bettles in 1967. Surviving are Jonelle and her daughters, Kathy Sessions and Laura Blanc. Together they built a beautiful hacienda in Rancho Santa Fe where they were gracious hosts to their large extended family and many friends.Bill was loved by his large family that will remember him for his guts, willpower and laughter. Surviving Bill in this extended family are Gail Bettles, Kathy Bettles, Rick Fox, Tommy O'Leary, John Murphy, Tracy Bettles, Barry Sessions, Marc Blanc, Heidi and Norman Jones, Danny Fox, Katie and Brandon Fields, Tommy and Lydia Bettles, Charlie and Maggie Knight, Lindsey and Kelly Sessions, Joe Bettles, Brendan and Kali O'Leary, Steve and Jessica O'Leary, Cole and Meg Bettles, Allie Knight, Sean and Elliot Bettles, and eleven great-grandchildren. Please sign the guest book online at legacy.com/obituaries/ ranchosantafereview . William Burton Bettles November 23, 1920 - June 21, 2016

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

Published by Rancho Santa Fe Review on Jul. 21, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries

Adam Turrubiartes

July 15, 2020

Mr. Bettles! I remember when I was 15, you had me drop you and Jonelle at the airport in San Diego in your Mercedes purchased in Europe and shipped over. I remember I felt like a million dollars! Thank you for that experience and trust. You made me a better person - Adam T

March 20, 2017

Mr.Bettles gave my Dad his first job in the USA in Rancho Santa Fe. Mr. Bettles also gave me my first job. I learned a lot from his larger than life way of living and amazing character. We are still blessed by his and his families kindness and generosity. Dios lo Bendiga Señor Bettles

July 25, 2016

please accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss. We hope that the scripture in Romans 15 verse 13 will be comforting to you at this time. Sincerely Bob and Jeannie from Orlando Florida

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