Clear, 66° F
(May 30, 1937 – May 22, 2011)
Clarence LeRoy Betz, known as “Betz” to his friends and neighbors, died Sunday, May 22, 2011 at his home in Burlington after a long struggle with cancer. He was 73.
Clarence was born to Helen and Ezra “Red” Betz at Johnstown, Colo., on May 30, 1937. He grew up in the Johnstown area and attended Letford Elementary School in Johnstown.
In 1951 Ezra purchased the Fort Collins Sales Yard in Fort Collins, Colo. Clarence attended school in Fort Collins through the 10th grade. Soon thereafter, Clarence joined the U.S. Navy and served for four years. He served as a fireman on the Bon Homme Richard, an aircraft carrier. Upon the completion of his naval service, he returned to Fort Collins, Colo. He was a partner in B&B Livestock.
Clarence married Colleen Boner on Feb. 14, 1963. He farmed in the Fort Collins area for several years. He then purchased a ranch and farmed in the Burlington area and moved his family to the ranch in 1974. He continued to be involved in the agriculture field until his retirement. At that time, Clarence became involved in woodworking and was quite artistic in this field.
Clarence loved to visit with his neighbors and fellow farmers. He would drive his pickup on the country roads looking for the ones he knew and chat for a few minutes. This was his afternoon entertainment every day. Clarence was an animated storyteller. His stories of his everyday life were quite entertaining. Clarence read the Bible daily and prayed for those who needed prayer.
Survivors are his wife, Colleen Betz; son, Justin (Christina) Betz and grandchildren, Eli, Megan, Josh, and Nick; daughter, Kasey (Steven) Sheridan and granddaughter, Kaitlin; grandchildren, Tucker and Kwinn Betz, children of his son, Shannon Betz, who preceded Clarence in death; sister, Lavonne Pratt and nephews, Kurt and Estil; sister-in-law Judy Ahlbrandt; and numerous cousins in the Colorado area.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 7, at the Burlington Fire Hall.
Atwood Family Funeral Directors, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
