Robert Storie Betts

Bob was a native Californian born in Chico, California January 20, 1931 and passed away September 20, 2023 surrounded by family playing his favorite Broadway tunes and telling him how much they loved him.

Bob and his twin sister Dorothee (“Dodie”) were born January 20, 1931 to Norman Clifford Betts and Dorothy (Storie) Betts in Chico, California. With Bob’s older brother Don, the family moved to Redding where Bob spent his growing-up years.

Bob’s life journey was driven by his sense of integrity, service and giving. His early years were spent making deliveries for his parents’ floral shop, participating in church and Boy Scout activities and handling a daily paper route. He attended Chico State College, graduating in 1953. He met his future wife Gerry Oberst while attending worship at Bidwell Memorial Church in Chico, where they married in 1954. After earning his teaching degree from Chico State, he put his skills to use as an instructor in the U.S. Air Force (Parks Air Force Base) in the East Bay, then settling in Sacramento with Gerry and toddler daughter Cathy to become a science teacher at C.K. McClatchy High School. Bob moved to John F. Kennedy High School when that campus opened in 1966 and until his retirement in 1992 taught college prep physiology/anatomy to a total of more than 6,000 students. He was very proud of his numerous years of service as a Sacramento City Teachers Association representative.

His family expanded to include another daughter, Peggy, and sons Steve and David—both of whom were in Boy Scout Troop 34 of which Bob was scoutmaster.

Bob shared his appreciation and knowledge of science and the outdoors, taking his family camping at Lassen Volcanic National Park each and every year as had his own parents. The tradition, known for the past few decades as “Camp Bob,” continues with kids, friends, grandkids, and great-grands. With his piles of Popular Mechanics magazines and the know-how (and tools) inherited from his father, Bob could fix just about everything. He kept cars, Coleman lanterns and swimming pool filters running, and could be counted on to troubleshoot anything. In his 60s he became computer-savvy and chronicled family history into a database. His well-organized collection of family photo albums was the envy of all.

Bob and Gerry joined Bethany Presbyterian Church in 1957 and both were active in the choir and the Mariners group, helping Friday nights at Bethany’s “Way Out House” teen nightclub in the ‘60s. Even into his eighties, Bob kept busy painting, repairing and enhancing the safety and appearance of the church. He was ordained as an elder and served more than 20 years as clerk of session. He also spent numerous hours assisting at Sacramento Presbytery. The South Sacramento Interfaith Partnership Food Closet, located at the church, was blessed by his service as chairman for several years.

After Gerry’s death 1991, Bob married the Rev. Gail Cullerton in 1995 and enlarged the family more with Gail’s children Karin, Keith, Kyla, Kurt and Kristin. Until Gail’s death in 2018, Bob and Gail enjoyed trips to Pacific Grove, Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center, Ghost Ranch Presbyterian Conference Center in New Mexico (where Bob spent time as a facilities volunteer) and many more locales. Each winter the “Chanticleer” Christmas concert was eagerly awaited, followed by another highlight—the joint birthday celebration of Bob and his twin sister.

Cherishing Bob’s memory are his sister, Dorothee (Richard) and his blended family: Cathy (Tim) Sapunor, Steve (Ali) Betts, Peggy (Joe) Ballard, David (Linda) Betts, Karin Rauh, Keith (Becky) Rauh, Kristin Rauh, Kurt Rauh (Kimberly), and Kyla Rauh. Also holding wonderful memories are grandchildren Greg (Polly) Ogata, Christine (Yosihai) Ogata Medina, Grace (Eric) Ogata Beutler, Zack Sapunor, Rita Sapunor, Katie Mae (Brian) Ballard Nell, Kaitlin Rauh, Max Rauh, Kurt Rauh, Karissa Parsons, Kassidy Rauh, Kennedy Rau, Julius Faller, Aiden Faller and Audrey Rauh. “Bob Bob” also leaves behind his beloved great-grandchildren: Alex, Jaxon, Olivia, Poppy, Justin Thomas (JT), David Joseph (DJ), and Lilly Parsons. Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of his sister Dorothee, and numerous nieces and nephews of late wife Gerry and brother Don (who passed away in 2004) also share many happy memories of this family patriarch.

A celebration of Bob’s life will take place Friday, November 3, starting 11 a.m. at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5625-24th Street, Sacramento. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the SSIP Food Closet (5625-24th Street, Sacramento) would be greatly welcomed in honor of Bob’s commitment to feeding those who hunger in our community.