Ronald L Betts

Ronald Leuis Betts, better known as Papa, age 92, of Jackson, Michigan, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.  

Ron was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota on June 14, 1933, Flag Day, to Vera B. and Leuis W. Betts.  He enjoyed boy scouts, choir, and playing football in his youth.  Ron graduated from Central Senior High East Grand Forks in 1951.  Ron was a member of the U.S. Air Force, having honorably served our country from 1953 to 1957.  He attended The University of North Dakota earning his bachelor’s degree in personnel management in 1959 and later earning his master’s degree in 1964.  Ron was most proud of his time as the Director of Career Planning and Placement at The University of North Dakota.

Ron was an avid woodworker and made many projects for his family throughout the years.  Some of his grandchildren’s favorite memories are of him gardening and making doll furniture.  He enjoyed watching sports such as football, baseball, and hockey on television.  He adored animals and was particularly fond of cats.  Ron was a well-versed traveler and enjoyed exploring new locations.  He loved singing as he was a member of the Jackson Chorale for several years.  Ron grew up Presbyterian, but attended JaxNaz Church in Jackson, MI with his loving wife.

Ron was a positive light in the life of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.  He always was laughing, smiling, and playing with his grandchildren and great- grandchildren.  He adored reading to the children and chasing them around the house. 

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Darlene Marie Smith, and his sister, Carol Rodvold.  Ron is the proud father of five children: Chuck Betts, Kathryn Boyd, Nick (Evelyn) Smith, Kip (Tammie) Smith, and Elizabeth (Ted) Ykimoff.  Ron was a wonderful Papa to Shaun Betts, Tyler Betts, Brandon Smith, Tianna Smith, Alyse (Ben) Tarbutton, Camron Smith, Lauren Ykimoff, Dylan (Emily) Ykimoff, Austin (Sol) Ykimoff, Allyson (Alex Guzman) Ykimoff, and Emiley Adams.  He was also the best Papa to his great-grandchildren, especially those who had the pleasure of spending time with him in his final years: Paisley, Remington, Rex, Maelynn, Jade, Theo, Leo, and Lolo.  

Ron was predeceased by his loving parents, Vera and Leuis Betts; and sister, Sharon Sauer.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with funeral services at 11:00 a.m. at JaxNaz Church, 3905 Clinton Road, Jackson.   Interment will follow at Fifield Cemetery, 2585 Lansing Avenue, Jackson, MI 49201.

A luncheon for family and friends will be held at the church immediately following the cemetery service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cascades Humane Society as Papa was a lifelong lover of animals and particularly enjoyed visits from the cats and dogs during his final years.

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