Jose 'Joe' Betes
Joe Betes worked for many years in agriculture and loved passing that tradition to his large family that misses him dearly.
Jose (Joe) Antonio Betes, 80, of Moses Lake, Wash., passed away May 7, 2024.
Joe was born Dec. 21, 1943, to Edwardo and Auncia Betes in Undues Pintano, Spain. He was one of nine children, Alfredo, Filo, Angel, Sebastian, Juaquin, Jesus, Maria and Miguel.
In October of 1962, Joe and his brother Angel came to America, following their brothers Alfredo and Sebastian. They landed in Bakersfield, Calif., where they were contracted to herd sheep. Joe spent the next four years shepherding, herding sheep from Lancaster to the Mojave Desert to Mono Lake where he would summer with his brother Angel and his flock, then home again.
In 1966, the four brothers went into the sheep business, buying a large herd of 3,000 ewes. By 1968, Joe had saved enough money to buy a harrow bed and started his own custom stacking business.
In the years to follow, he enjoyed competing in harrow bedding competitions and going out dancing. It was on one of those nights at Casa Roma he would meet the love of his life Peggy (Suzy) Anderson, and eventually her daughter Laura.
In March of 1980, Joe, Suzy and Laura started their move to Moses Lake, Wash., following his two older brothers, Angel and Sebastian, who had moved up two years prior to farm. On their way to Washington, Joe and Suzy would stop in Reno, Nev., and elope.
The first year of farming his new crop was destroyed by the ash from the explosion of Mt. St. Helens. Luckily, he was able to replant and survive a rough first year. The three brothers and their families worked together, helping each other on their farms.
On May 18, 1983, Joe and Suzy welcomed their first son, Joseph Paul Betes.
Then on Sept. 20, 1984, they welcomed their second son, Michael Angel Betes.
In June 2012, Joe lost his beloved wife, Suzy, to a battle with cancer.
That same year his sons, Michael and Joseph would take over the family farm. Even though the sons had taken over, Joe still played a large, vital role in farming and driving equipment until the Spring of 2024.
Joe will be remembered by many as a hard worker, generous man and doting grandfather who loved and spoiled his grandchildren. He loved farming, hunting, fishing, and Barcelona FC. His smile and laugh were contagious. Joe had a great sense of humor and enjoyed jokingly teasing his friends and family.
Joe is survived by his sons, Joseph and Michael, his daughter, Laura, and his grandchildren, Anna, Andy, Aden, Sydney, Adelina, Ava and Matias.
A celebration of life is planned for Joe on May 17, 2024, at White Trail Grange, 3392 Road 5 NW, Ephrata, at 2 p.m.
Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.