Obituary

WILLIAM CARL BETTIS

William Carl Bettis, 85, of Laguna Niguel California, beloved father, husband, grandfather, brother, died on September 19, 2016. Bill passed away peacefully at Mission Hospital of Parkinson’s Disease surrounded by family and friends. He was born on May 6th, 1931 in Iowa to Carl Edmond Bettis and Maude Zenoba Van Dorin.

Bill grew up in a small town called Albia, Iowa and always made jokes about his one room school house. He would always say that he graduated top of his class because he was the only one in his class. Bill was raised on a farm which posed a huge problem..he was allergic to hay. People with horrible allergies don’t make good farmers! Bill always said that there had to be a better way to make a living.

Bill joined the Army and was stationed in Germany. After the Army, Bill attended the University of Iowa where he studied business finance. Additionally, Bill received a master’s degree from the London Business School of Economics. He graduated with such high honors that he was asked back to teach in the summers.

On a trip to Chicago, he saw his future wife in a bookstore in Evanston, Illinois. It was love at first sight. They had their first date at Uno’s Pizzeria and carved their names into a wooden bench in the restaurant. Bill and Ronefaye were married and moved to Kenilworth, Illinois where he went to work with the Harris Bank in Chicago and was eventually promoted to Vice President of Commercial Lending.

Bill and Ronefaye had two children and were very involved in the Kenilworth community. The family was active in the local church and Bill served as Village Treasurer. Bill became quite well known and respected in Chicago, for his expertise in finance. His articles on finance were studied in economic courses in universities and he published articles for Money magazine and Fortune magazine. Bill was generous and kind. At Harris Bank he took several trainees under his wing and taught them everything that he had learned on the subject of finance. These individuals to this day are so grateful for his kindness and dedication.

Bill gave time and money to Planned Parenthood in Chicago, his favorite charity. He was passionate about helping inner city girls make informed and educated decisions, which lead to better lives.

Bill loved to vacation with his family, on Santa Rosa Island and in Naples, Florida. After Ronefaye passed away, Bill retired and sold his Kenilworth house to build a beautiful lake front home near Saugatuck, Michigan. He was able to spend many fantastic summers with friends and family at that house. Bill’s favorite thing about the Michigan house was the sunsets. Bill sold the Michigan house and moved to California to be near his children and grandchildren. Bill LOVED and lived for his grandchildren.

Bill was diagnosed with prostate cancer and later with Parkinson’s disease. Bill fought harder than anyone to stay alive for his grandchildren. He passed away peacefully with loved ones by his side. He loved and was much loved. The family would like to thank Dr. Kenneth Rexinger for his extraordinary care and compassion to Bill and his entire family during these difficult years.

Services will be held at O’Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, California 92653 on Saturday October 8th, 2016 at 4:00pm. A reception at O’Connor Mortuary will follow from 5:00pm-7:00pm. In lieu of flowers please send any monetary donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.