Press Release posted 2/10/14 – Irvin (Bill) E. Betts passed quietly on January 25, 2014 after a lengthy illness. Bill was born on October 19, 1929 in Bassett, Nebraska, the second of nine children to Omar and Ezada Betts. Bill spent his early years in Fruitland, Idaho. He served with the Idaho National Guard. He married Joan Ann Carter, in Phoenix, Az., July 18, 1950, and then moved their family to Southern California.
Bill proudly served the City of Sierra Madre police force for 29 years, retiring as Chief of Police, in 1993. He was honored to be the 1995 Worthy Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star in California. Bill was a 50 year member of the Free and Accepted Masons of California, a member of the Order of Eastern Star for 49 years, a member of the Pasadena Scottish Rite, and a member of the Al Malaikah Shriners of Los Angeles.
Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joan Betts, two daughters, Dee Mahr and Vicki Smither, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Roze Room Hospice of San Gabriel Valley, 55 Huntington Dr., Suite 238, Arcadia, CA. 91006. www.rozefoundation.org. Services will be held at Cabot and Sons, 27 Chestnut St, Pasadena, CA. at 11:00am on Wednesday, February 12, 2014. More information is available at www.cabotandsonsfh.com. Private Internment.
Was a good strong man, I’ll never forget speaking with me in my early years….he was cut from that thread that comes from the middle of America.
I wanted to pay my respects but not interrupt the flag folding ceremony.
Long live others that can carry on and long live SierraMadre 91024