Obituaries

Edward John Betz, 76, passed away Dec. 19, 2007, at Hospice House in Spokane following a lengthy illness.

He was born to John and Della Betz on May 12, 1931, in Tyler, Wash. Betz attended Tyler school through the eighth grade and graduated from Cheney High School, class of 1949.

Like all farm boys, he helped his parents on their farm. In 1950, he went to work for Ratcliff Implement.

Betz's life took an upturn in 1951 when he was hired on at Nabisco (Now ADM), Cheney's flourmill, as a warehouse man unloading wheat. But his life was about to make yet another turn.

Carol Baker came on the scene. She was raised near Clayton, Wash. Betz and Carol were married on July 7, 1953 at the Cheney Church of the Nazarene.

Prior to their marriage, Betz joined the Washington Army National Guard where he served his country for three-year enlistments.

Also during this period of time, their lives were blessed with three children.

Betz worked for Nabisco for 44 years with the last 10 years of employment working as head maintenance man. The couple retired from their respective jobs in 1994.

The Betzs bought a motor home and traveled extensively for the past 13 years seeing a great deal of the United States.

The Betzs have lived in their present home since 1962. Betz finished it himself. He was talented with mechanical ability and had worked on a number of other people's cars as well as invented mechanical devices for his own use.

Betz is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Carol, at the family home, two sons David W. Betz of Cheney, Dale (Gwyn) of Gig Harbor, Wash., and one daughter Diane (Danny) Stanley of Papillion, Neb.; six grandchildren: Jeremiah (Megan) Betz of Fairborn, Ohio, Jonathan Betz of Fairborn, Danielle (Andrew) Kousgaard of Witicha Falls, Texas, Rebecca Stanley of Papillion, Natalie and Elizabeth Betz of Gig Harbor, and another great-grandchild due in a few weeks; two brothers Vanoy (Elaine) of Cheney and Glenn (Nancy) Betz of Modesto, Calif., one sister Belva (Larry) Wright of Spokane, and one sister-in-law Darla Betz Morris of Spokane; one uncle Jerold Betz of Cheney; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

His beloved brother, Wilbur Betz, preceded him in death.

Funeral service was held Dec. 22, 2007, at Cheney Church of the Nazarene with interment at Spokane Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions bay be made to: Hospice of Spokane, PO Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210, or Cheney Church of the Nazarene, 338 Betz Road, Cheney, WA 99004.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude for all the prayers, cards, and gifts of food provided during this most difficult time. Special thanks to the staff at Hospice House of Spokane and to Pastor Ken Bergstrom of Cheney Church of the Nazarene.