Charles Joseph Betts was born on May 21, 1915, in Elkhorn, Neb. He was the son of Charles and Emma (Labbert) Betts. He graduated from Elkhorn High School on May 11, 1932.

On Feb. 28, 1940, he married Elna Irene Hoier at Bethany Lutheran Church in Kennard, Neb. Their marriage was blessed with a daughter, Patricia Lea.

Baptized into the Christian faith as an infant (Nov. 1, 1915), he made public profession of his faith when he was confirmed on March 25, 1934 at Bethany Lutheran Church. He was a faithful and devoted member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church for 38 years.

Charlie spent the majority of his working days as a farmer and owned a small farm in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was known for his personable, generous and outgoing nature and he had a keen sense of humor. He loved to dance, play cards and was a faithful volunteer and usher in his church. He moved to Whidbey Island seven years ago to live with his daughter and grandchildren. He will be missed by all.

Charlie was summoned to eternal rest on May 27, 2008 following a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Elna, brother Robert and sisters Betty and Pearl. He is survived by his brothers Elmer and Merle; sisters Grace Clause, Alice Jenson and Margaret Bull; daughter Patricia Stelling; grandsons Bryan and Craig Stelling and their wives Carolyn and Kathryn, respectively; and great-grandchildren Kyla, Lauren, Lillianna and Charley Stelling of Langley.

He will be laid to rest next to his wife Elna in sure and certain hope of resurrection following funeral rites on June 6, 2008 in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Elkhorn, Neb. A memorial service will be held at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church 7706 South 96th St., LaVista, Neb., at 3 p.m. Friday, June 6, with a reception to follow.