Funeral services for Collis J. Betson of Crawford, Nebraska will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron with Ed Broestl officiating. Visitation will be held Monday, February 3, 2014 at Chamberlain Chapel until 8:00 PM. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery. Collis passed away on February 1, 2014 at the Ponderosa Villa in Crawford. He was 90.
Collis J. Betson and his twin brother, Hollis, were born on August 26, 1923 on the family farm, five miles east of Crawford to their parents Alfred and Augusta Betson. Collis left this life on February 1, 2014 at Ponderosa Villa in Crawford. He attended school through the eighth grade at School District Number 1. He attended high school in both Chadron and Crawford, graduating in the class of ’39 from Crawford. He engaged in farming with his father and brother on the family farm. He married the love of his life, schoolteacher Ava Diffendaffer, on July 12, 1944 in Chadron. To this union five children were born: an infant daughter; Diana, married to Ed Broestl, they live in Berthoud, CO; Kerry, married to James Griffiths, they live in Midwest City, OK; Rhonda, married to Robert Eddy, they live in Lincoln, NE; and Mark Betson, married to Myrna Sternhagen, they live in Whitney, NE.
Collis and Ava purchase the original Betson homestead, south of Whitney, shortly after their marriage, where they lived for over 40 year until they retired and moved to Chadron living there over 25 years. During his time on the ranch, his loves were: his family, his farm; and serving the surrounding community. He served on the Crawford Rural Fire District Board for over 30 years, many years as president. He served the telephone company as both a Board member and a lineman until the underground cable was installed. Collis served on the District 84 School Board for many years, the Bethel Cemetery Board, and was active in the Nebraska Stock Growers Association.
He is survived by: Ava, his wife of almost 70 years: his four children, his nine grandchildren, his 19 great-grandchildren, two step great-grandchildren, and four step great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother, Hollis, and infant daughter.
“We’ll see ya – when we see ya!”
A memorial has been established for the Crawford Fire and Rescue Department or the Ponderosa Villa. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.
Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com
Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements.