BETZ, Chester John

Chester John Betz was born to Louise & John Betz in Newark, New Jersey on August 31, 1912. As a young boy he lived in Connecticut along with his brother John Jr., now deceased. He married Margaret St. John and they had 2 children, Rita Davis of Denver, Colorado and Carol Ann (Tony) Stoll of Cave Creek AZ. For 30 years he worked as an electrician for American Shipbuilders in Cleveland OH, after his 2-year stint in the army in Plattsburg, N.Y. In later years his love of the outdoors and gardening found him employed as a gardener and caretaker of beautiful estates in New Jersey. His two favorite being the Roosevelt Estate in Bernardsville and the McGraw Estate in Pluckemin where he worked until his retirement at 80 years of age. He battled alcoholism until 1967 when AA showed him a better life. Chet was very proud of his involvement in AA and personally started and led AA groups in Martinsville, Pluckemin and the VA Hospital in Millington, N.J. He touched the lives of many people suffering from alcohol abuse. He gave his testimony at meetings, and he personally sponsored many people. Since moving to Arizona at the age of 80 his two passions were family and his church at Fellowship North. Due to the witnessing of Julie Kareus, he was recently baptized to show his faithfulness to his Lord. Another love was the P.V. Senior Center where he had many wonderful friends. Bingo days were his favorite. On June 13, 2003, Chester John Betz went home to his Heavenly Father. Besides Rita & Carol Ann, he is survived by 4 grandchildren, Jeff (Jennifer) Dougherty of Scottsdale AZ, Jennifer (Greg) Sparks of Midland TX, Beth (Ken) Hexamer-Spaulding and Brian Hexamer of Denver CO. In addition, his 4 great grandchildren; Dillon & Holden Dougherty and Kodie Sparks and Casse Leyba. He also leaves behind other loving relatives in the east, and special friends across the United States. There will be a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 6:00 P.M. at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, 8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale AZ. In lieu of flowers, Chet requested any memorials in his name be donated to the Fellowship North Children's Ministry, 8584 E. Dynamite Blvd., Scottsdale AZ 85255. Published in The Arizona Republic from 6/16/2003 - 6/17/2003.