Ronald J. Betten
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June 27, 1938 - April 23, 2026 U.S. Veteran
A memorial service to honor and celebrate Ron’s life will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m., at Third Christian Reformed Church, 2400 Winchell Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49008, with Rev. Ken Baker officiating. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service. Ron will be laid to rest privately at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Donations may be given to Third Christian Reformed Church’s Ministries Fund, c/o the funeral home. |
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Ronald J. Betten, age 87, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 23, 2026, at his home in Portage, MI, surrounded by his family. Ron was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on June 27, 1938, the son of Joseph and Christine (Haverkamp) Betten. As a child, Ron attended Grandville Avenue Christian Reformed Church. He graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School, then served in the US Air Force. Following his time of service, he attended Grand Rapids Junior College, then the University of Michigan, where he graduated with a degree in civil engineering. While at U of M he met his wife Norma, whom he married in 1963. Following his graduation, they moved to Kalamazoo, where he started Bouma-Betten Inc, with his cousin Paul Bouma of Grand Rapids. The business expanded to include branches in Muncie and Lafayette, IN. Ron was an avid tennis player and wood worker. He was devoted to his family, supporting and encouraging his children in many ways, attending their sports and music activities. This devotion was extended to his grandchildren as well. Ron’s father played cello in the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, and this love of music was carried on in Ron’s life to his children and grandchildren. He was devoted to his church, Third CRC of Kalamazoo, where he was a member for over sixty years, serving in council several times and helping to lead their building project. After retirement, he drove for the Shepherd’s Center and cared for several elderly church members. Ron showed the love and encouragement of Christ to more people than we will ever know this side of eternity. In his words and deeds, he embodied his favorite verse from Micah 6:8 “What does the Lord require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Ron is survived by his loving wife Norma (Peck) Betten, with whom he enjoyed 63 years of marriage, and by his six children: Dr. Karen Betten of Portage, MI, Mary (Jeff) Brower of Portage, MI, Dr. David (Beth) Betten of Frankfort, MI, Jane (Kirby) Newell of Watseka, IL, Dr. Mark (Kelly) Betten of Seoul, South Korea, and Lynne Betten of Oshtemo Township, MI. Also surviving are several grandchildren: Abby Brower, Libby (Isaac) Fitzgerald, Ruthie Brower, Jonathan Betten, Sophia Betten, Maximus Betten, Elena Newell, James Newell, Betsy Newell, and Eli Betten. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Dr. Kenneth Betten, and his sister Marilyn Betten. | |