Rudy Rex Betz

Rudy Rex Betz, a longtime resident of Cheney, Wash, passed away unexpectedly on July 19, 2024.  He had been living with the challenges of Alzheimer's, but it never kept him from being the unapologetically genuine person he was.  Rudy took each day as it came, never ceasing to tease and joke with those around him.  His absence leaves a void in the hearts of his family and friends, but his legacy lives on in the lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and unforgettable presence.

Rudy was born Nov. 2, 1944 to Jerold and Doris Betz.  He was the second of five children and spent his childhood growing up in Sprague and Cheney, Wash.  Rudy was an active and curious child always, exploring outdoors and collecting things that he found interesting.  His collected treasures were often discovered by his mother on wash days.  She didn't mind the small rocks and sticks but when it came to a mouse, she had to put her foot down.  Throughout his life Rudy continued to collect things that he found interesting or had potential usefulness.   As he grew, his interests branched out to windsurfing, wakeboarding, skiing, biking, racing motorcycles, cars and almost anything mechanical.

After graduating from Cheney High School in 1964, Rudy enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, where he served in the Second Battalion 4th Marines "The Magnificent Bastards".  He saw active combat in Vietnam and his time in the Marines was marked by honor, dedication and commitment.  After completing his service, he joined the Marine Corp Reserves and continued to serve his country.

Rudy was a man of character who believed deeply in hard work and an honest life. After the military, he became a contractor specializing in dirt work, drainage, and concrete.  Known for his toughness and resilience, Rudy faced life's challenges with grit and determination.  Whether it was using a Dremel cut-off wheel to remove a splinter from his hand or driving himself to a clinic after a grinder exploded and left him needing reconstructive surgery (to which he soon returned to work) his no-quit, no-whine attitude made him a legend for those who knew him. 

A lifelong bachelor, Rudy had no children of his own but was a beloved uncle and mentor. His playful spirit and infectious personality made him a prominent figure in the lives of his nieces and nephew.  He delighted in being the center of fun and chaos, instigating and creating lasting memories with mud fights, firework battles, swimming, long hikes and bike rides and of course a slice of pie in town after a long day of hard work or play.

An avid outdoorsman, Rudy loved biking, hiking, and traveling, taking long drives in his 1969 van, his bike and camping gear in the back with a faithful canine companion by his side.  Whether it was visiting friends and relatives across Oregon, Washington, and California or simply enjoying the beauty of the outdoors, Rudy lived life on his terms.

Rudy was known for his dedication to his work, his toughness, and his unique approach to life. He operated on his own internal clock, following his own path as a free spirit that made him unforgettable.  His tall and lanky figure could often be seen biking along the highway into town to grab a bite to eat and some good conversation.

Rudy was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Clayton.   He is survived by brothers, David and Darel Betz; sister, Launa Lowe; nieces, Elizabeth Betz, Suzi Strittmatter and Angelique Lowe; nephew, Jerold Lowe; and three grandnieces and two grandnephews. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Rudy and his life by paying forward a kindness, be it treating someone to a cup of coffee and some friendly conversation or lending a helping hand to someone in need.

His ashes will be privately interned at Lance Hill Cemetery.  An Open House and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Please contact [email protected] for more event details.