Hartford, VT — Michael A. Bettis, 69, died Monday March 28th at the Brookside Nursing Home in White River Jct.
He was born June 16 1941 in Keene, NH, one of twelve children of Raymond H. and Anna (Navish) Bettis. Michael grew up in Hartford Village and graduated from Hartford High School Class of 1959 before enlisting in the US Marine Corps. While serving in the Marines, he met Phyllis Elliott; they were married on June 30, 1963 in Oak Grove, KY. After being honorably discharged in 1964, he returned to Hartford where he has lived since.
He worked for the Perini Corporation during the building of the interstate highways in the area. He later worked for Pike Industries for many years and then worked at Twin State Sand & Gravel until his retirement in 2007.
His daily routine included coffee at home then off to Shryl's Diner for his usual breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, and English muffin with peanut butter. He enjoyed meeting his friends and visiting with other people from different communities.
He had an avid love for the outdoors including hunting, working in the woods cutting firewood for himself and for others. You could also frequently find him on his bulldozer maintaining and taking pride in the appearance of his property.
Michael was always willing to lend a hand to family, friends, and neighbors. He served his community for two terms as Selectman and was also a Lister. He was an active member of the White River Lions Club, Hartford Historical Society, the Free & Accepted Masons United Brethren Lodge #21, American Legion Post 26 as well as B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge 22 in Lebanon.
Family came first with Michael taking pride in his two sons and grandchildren. Many gatherings with family and friends were held at his home.
He was predeceased by four sisters, Connie Drew, Eleanor Betters, Catherine LePine and Mary Parker and a brother, Raymond Bettis.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of Hartford, two sons, Sean and his wife, Nadine of Hartford and Brian and his wife, Christy, of Fort Leavenworth, KS; five
grandchildren; his brothers, George of West Hartford, Harley of Hartford and Edward of White River Jct.; two sisters, Patricia Hoisington of West Hartford and Carole Robinson of Epping, NH.
Friends may call at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., VT Friday April 1 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday April 2 at 10AM at St. Anthony's Church in White River Jct., with burial following in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Brookside Nursing Home Activities Fund, Brookside Nursing Home, 1200 Christian Street, White River Jct., VT 05001.