Ralph "Rick" James Bettis

Ralph James “Rick” Bettis went to be with his Heavenly Father on April 15, 2016. Rick was born on the 8th of November, 1946, in Minot, North Dakota. Rick was named after his father’s favorite brother, Ralph Bettis, and his beloved grandfather, James H. O’Brien. He was always known as Rick to family and friends. He was a boy scout, earning many badges, including one for camping in the bitter cold winter of North Dakota. Rick was a very bright child excelling in both school and sports. He especially excelled in ice hockey and basketball. Since there was no indoor rink to practice hockey, he practiced on a farm pond in the cold of the Dakota winters. He played basketball all over the state of North Dakota, where he led his team to many victories. He loved hanging out with his childhood best friend, Roger Henderson. Rick’s summers were spent helping with farm work and helping his grandmother tend to her large garden. Rick loved raising many beautiful pots of flowers every summer for his back yard. In 1962, his parents moved to Yreka while he stayed in North Dakota to help his widowed grandmother. In 1963, he helped move his grandmother to Yreka and moved with his parents to Tulelake, where he graduated from high school. Shortly after graduating, he went to work for Siskiyou Tractor in Yreka, where he quickly rose to the manager position. After Siskiyou Tractor closed, he worked for several companies until he decided to strike out on his own, creating Rick Bettis Construction and Excavation, LLC. Rick was in heavy demand until he decided to cut back due to the progression of his cancer. Rick was known for his honesty and integrity. He took pride in work he did. He would help anyone who needed it. Often, work “at home”went undone so that he could do good deeds for others. Shortly after moving to Yreka, Rick was instrumental in setting up the local judo club, and he rapidly advanced to upper level judo degrees. He loved racing his stock car and destruction derby cars, winning many trophies. On May 10, 1969, Rick married his loving wife, Linda Cunial, whom he adored until his passing. He and Linda would have celebrated their forty-seventh wedding anniversary next month. In 1973, a lovely baby girl, Gina Michele, was born. She was Rick’s pride and joy. Also, so very special to him was his grandson, Tyler. Many years later,Tyler was joined by Jacob and Tori, whom he loved as if they were his own, and his son-in-law, Brent, whom he loved like a son. In 1970, Rick joined the Yreka Volunteer Fire Department, for which he was recently named Firefighter of the Year. Rick gave 46 years of service to the Department and the people of Yreka. Rick was instrumental in securing the Fire Museum and in the restoration of several antique fire trucks. Not long ago, Rick got to ride in the nose of the B-17G Flying Fortress “Sentimental Journey,” which was one of the things on his “bucket list.” Sentimental Journey flew during World War II with the Eighth Air Force. He lit up like a Christmas tree when we learned that he would be able to have a seat on the bomber and then to get to ride in the nose was unbelievable. He loved it and I loved watching him enjoy it. Rick is survived by his loving wife, Linda; daughter Gina Andriese and her husband, Brent, of Reno, NV; grandchildren Tyler, Jacob and Tori; his aunt, Virginia O’Brien; sister Debbie Joling and her husband, Earl, of La Pine, OR; brother-in-law Paul Cunial and his wife, Marcia; brother-in-law Gene Cunial; sister-in-law Patricia DeRossett and her husband, Trevis; brother-in-law Tony Cunial and his wife, Ellice; and many nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom he loved very much. Rick was predeceased by his parents, LaVonne and Virgil Bettis, and his brother, Terry Bettis. A Liturgy of the Word service will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Yreka on April 30, 2016 at 2:00 PM, followed by a celebration of Rick’s life at the Yreka Community Center on North Oregon Street. Memorial contributions may be made to Madrone Hospice, 255 Collier Circle, Yreka, CA 96097, in Rick’s memory, if you wish, or to a charity of your choice.

Ralph "Rick" James Bettis

November 8, 1946 - April 15, 2016