Ronald James Betts

Ronald J. Betts, age 84, of Osage, Iowa, departed this life on October 12, 2025, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, Iowa. Ronald James Betts was born at home in Oelwein, Iowa on July 11, 1941. The son of Earl and Esther Betts. He graduated from Oelwein High School and attended Northwest Missouri State College, graduating in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education.

He was employed by the Osage Community School District from 1964 until his retirement. He taught Industrial Arts Education and coached wrestling and football, and during the summer he taught driver’s education. In 1999, he was awarded the Junior High Wrestling Coach of the Year by the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association. In 2002, he received the Don Taft Memorial Jr. High Award from the Iowa Football Coaches Association. In 2019, he was honored and inducted into the Osage High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Ron was united in marriage to Christine A. Foth on January 12, 1968, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. To this union two daughters were born, Kimberly and Stacy. He was devoted to his wife and family and especially enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters and great-grandchildren. Ron loved the outdoors; he was an avid deer and duck hunter. He enjoyed gardening, reading, and fishing trips with his family. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Earl and Esther Betts; father and mother-in-law, Thomas and Darlene Foth; sister, Donna Rissler-Downs; sister, Dorothy and brother-in-law Ray Tollman; brothers and sisters-in-law, Carl and Lou Betts, Ralph and Margaret Betts, Richard and Marilyn Betts; nephew, Luke Betts.

Ron is survived by his wife, Chris; daughters, Kim (James) Comisky of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Stacy (Tim) Evans of Osage, Iowa; Granddaughters, Rebecca (Josh) Farrell, Amanda (Dillon) Pitts, Jessica Meier; five great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. The Funeral service will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow at the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

There will be a private meal for family at the Conroy Hall following the Inurnment.

In Lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established for Ron Betts by his family.

Hoff Celebrations - Champion Chapel of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements.