Dr Walter C. Betts' Obituary
Big Rapids Dr. Walter C. Betts, 55, of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, January 3, 2008, at Spectrum Health Butterworth in Grand Rapids. He was born February 29, 1952, in Greenville, Ohio, the son of Walter and Annabelle (Motter) Betts, and graduated from Greenville Senior High School in 1970. In 1977, Walt graduated from The Ohio State University College of Optometry, and the following year he completed an ocular disease residency at the Veterans Administration hospital in Lexington, KY. Dr. Betts came to the Michigan College of Optometry (MCO) at Ferris State University in 1979, and lectured extensively in the areas of ocular disease and low vision. He also served as the chief of the Low Vision clinic, and was a clinical instructor in the Primary Care clinics at MCO. Walt had a passion for sports and music. He spent many years coaching little league baseball, and was an avid supporter of Cardinal and Bulldog sports. He loved downhill and cross-country skiing, playing his guitar, and most importantly to him was his family and vacations with them. In 1977, Walt married his high school sweetheart, Carol Blaine, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, Lance of Gunnison, CO, and John of Big Rapids; his mother Annabelle Betts of Big Rapids; his sister Cindy Cordes of Denver, CO; mother- and father-in-law Bill and Joan Blaine of Greenville, OH; brothers- and sisters-in-law Sue Crawford, Mike and Penny Blaine, Beverly Lee, Rick and Kim Blaine; and many nieces and nephews, special friends and colleagues, and a host of students both past and present. Walt was preceded in death by his father in 1973. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Sunday, January 6, 2008, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 726 Fuller Avenue in Big Rapids, with Rev. Robert Garrels officiating. Burial will be in the Highland View Cemetery. Walts family will greet friends today (Saturday) from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, and at the church prior to services on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to: DR. WALTER BETTS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP, FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY, 420 OAK ST, PRAKKEN 101, BIG RAPIDS, MICH 49307
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