Andrew Betes
On Friday, December 17, 2010, Andrew Betes, 31, was called home too soon by our Lord and Savior. Andrew was born to Sebastian and Beatrice Betes on February 14, 1979, in Wentachee, Washington. Andrew grew up on the family farm in Moses Lake, Washington, where he learned all the tools of the trade, a strong work ethic, and an absolute love and passion for farming. Some of his favorite childhood experiences were his first camping trip with his Tio Angel along with many skiing trips together, and hunting and fishing with his father, and brother, Sebastian. He took his first trip to Spain at 9 years old to see his father's family, and made two additional trips in 2000 and 2006. In school, he excelled at baseball and was selected to play on the All-Star Team. On the playground at Longview Elementary, a relationship was born between two little boys, as well as a bond that would never be broken. That is where Andrew met his best friend, Miguel. Miguel and Andrew would spend many hours working on their trucks, driving in the dunes, and skipping Rosenow's shop class. He also worked along side his Tio Joe helping on his farm. Andrew's first job was working together with his brother moving hand lines, painting a barn and various other jobs for long time friend and neighbor, Clyde Henderson. While in high school, Andrew was employed by Brotherton Seed, Shari's Restaurant, and Les Schwab Tires. On March 15, 1997, he began dating his future wife, Katrina Penrose. After graduating from Moses Lake High School in 1997, Andrew explored his education while attending Shasta Community College in Redding, CA, along with a few of his friends. Even after high school, Andrew maintained a close relationship with many of his high school buddies. Every year, he looked forward to getting together with them at their annual 'Man Camping Trip', a tradition that continued since high school. On April 21, 2001, Andrew proposed to Katrina. In March of the following year, Andrew moved with his family to Winnemucca, Nevada, to continue his love for farming with Betes Farms. Andrew and Katrina were married on May 3, 2003, in Moses Lake, Washington. He continued to farm with his family in the summers, and worked at Les Schwab, CR Drake and Sons, and CarWil in the winters. On May 16, 2007, their first child, Maite, was born. During the winter following Maite's birth, Andrew chose to be a stay-at-home dad and care for his daughter while Katrina continued in her teaching position. Their second child, Stella, was born on March 31, 2009. A long-term goal of Andrew and his brother, Sebastian, was to run a business partnership together. On Christmas of 2009, it became a reality when Betes Brothers was created. He and his brother put their hearts into building the business that they always wanted, and their success clearly showed. Throughout Andrew's life, he always put family first. The love and compassion that he shared with his daughters would never go unnoticed. All who met Andrew would soon learn of his great hugs and signature smile.
Andrew is survived by his wife, Katrina, and their two daughters, Maite and Stella, his parents, Beatrice and Sebastian Betes, and one brother, Sebastian (Melissa, and niece, Amaya) all of Winnemucca, Nevada. He is also survived by his father-in-law, Richard Penrose, and brother-in-law, Rick Penrose (Katie and nieces) of Moses Lake, Washington, grandmother, Rosa Castillo, of Kennewick, Washington, and grandfather, Ignacio Escalera (Stella), along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Eduardo Betes and Annunciacion Buesa Betes, mother-in-law Nikki Penrose, and close family friends, Clyde Henderson, John Manterola and Salvador Gimenez.
A Celebration of Life was held at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Winnemucca, NV, on December 21, 2010. Arrangements in Winnemucca were in care of Albertson's Funeral home.
A memorial service will be held at Our Lady of Fatima in Moses Lake on December 30, 2010 at 2:00. Arrangements in Moses Lake are in care of Kayser's Chapel and Crematory. Please sign the book or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com or www.albertsonfuneralhome.com. Inurnment will be at Guarding Angels Cemetery Columbarium at a later date. An account has been set up for Andrew's daughters at US Bank under Betes Foundation.
Katrina and her family would like to thank everyone for their many phone calls, visits, delicious food, thoughts, and prayers. She would like to especially thank Nevada Chukar Foundation for their overwhelming support, Debbie with HGH ambulance and Deputy Kuskie for their compassion, empathy and professionalism.