Richard C. Betts Obituary (1949 - 2013)

Richard C. Betts, 64, of Bartonville, died Saturday, October 12, 2013 at his daughters home in Bloomington after a courageous 7 year battle with cancer.His funeral will be at 11:00 am, Thursday (10-17-13) at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bloomington with Rev. Thomas Wirsing officiating. Burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm, Wednesday (10-16-13) at Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to his grandchildrens education fund c/o CEFCU.Richard was born on June 26, 1949 in Peoria, the son of Lewis John and Eileen Ann Hundemer Betts, Jr. They preceded him in death. He married Laura J. Westerdale on March 27, 1976 in Peoria. She survives.He is also survived by two daughters, Tavia (Alfredo Garza) Betts and Stacey Betts, both of Bloomington; three grandchildren, Tavish, Blaze and Giselle Garza; three siblings, Lewis J. (Alma) Betts, III, Andalusia, Dawn (Bruce) Lewis, Morton and Gary R. (Sandra) Betts, Peoria.Richard graduated from Spalding High School in Peoria. He attended Illinois Central College and Bradley University and was a member of the Speech and Debate team. Richard served in the US Army National Guard and was an insurance agent for many years.Richard was a Chicago Cubs fan, an avid reader and enjoyed playing the guitar. Most of all, he was a family man and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.