Gene Dale Betts

Gene D. Betts, 83, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.

Gene was born April 20, 1942, in Dorrance, Kansas, the first of two sons born to Marvin G. and Georgenna I. (Miller) Betts. He grew up in Dorrance and later Russell, where he formed the roots and relationships that shaped his life. He graduated from Russell High School with the Class of 1960 and went on to attend Fort Hays State University.

In his early years, Gene worked at Campbell’s Greenhouse—an experience that sparked his lifelong love of gardening—and at Evans Radiator Service. After Playdium Bowl was built in 1953, Gene began working there as a young pinsetter, building the foundation for the love of bowling that would follow him throughout his life. He later began what would become a dedicated 34-year career with USD 407 as a custodian from 1967 to 2001. During this time, Gene also fulfilled a dream by owning Playdium Bowl from 1991 to 2003, a place where he shared his love of bowling with countless friends and families. Even long after his retirement from USD 407, he was fondly known throughout the community as “Mr. Betts,” a testament to the impact he had on generations of students. To his closest friends, he was known as Geno.

After retiring from USD 407, Gene continued to stay active and involved in his community by working at R&M Heating and Klema’s. He also spent time at Brunswick Zone in Westminster, Colorado, working as a janitor and pin chaser from 2006 to 2010.

On April 21, 1963, Gene married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Brown. Their marriage was one built on loyalty, laughter, and quiet devotion. Together they built a simple, honest life in Russell, raising their daughter, Vickie, whom Gene cherished deeply. Ruth preceded him in death on January 25, 2024, and the two are now reunited in eternal peace.

Gene was a longtime custodian at Simpson Elementary School, where children and staff appreciated his helpfulness, humor, and gentle spirit. He was a member of the 1st Congregational Church of Russell, Russell Masonic Lodge #177, Russell Elks Lodge, and the V.F.W. Post #6240. His hobbies reflected who he was—steady, patient, and joyful. He enjoyed gardening, dancing, bowling, and spending time with Vickie and his grandchildren, cherishing every moment with the family he adored. Gene’s passion for the sport extended beyond bowling itself—he owned Gene’s Pro Shop, where he enjoyed helping others find the right equipment and improve their game. He took great pride in his bowling accomplishments, including rolling a state high series of 748 on September 25, 1968, his first 800 series on January 12, 1982, and his first 300 game on January 27, 1982. Gene also looked forward to his weekly “Safety Meetings” with the manager and head mechanic from Brunswick—moments filled with friendship, laughter, and a beer or two.

Gene lived a life defined by kindness, hard work, and quiet generosity. He found joy in simple things—freshly turned soil in the garden, a well-thrown bowling ball, a shared laugh with friends, and precious time with family. His legacy lives on in the people he loved, the community he served, and the countless small acts of care that brightened the lives of others. Those who knew Gene will remember his gentle heart, steady presence, and the warmth he brought into every room. He leaves behind a legacy of love that will be felt for generations.

Gene’s surviving family include his daughter, Vickie Hill and husband Tom of Russell, Kansas; grandchildren Tabitha (Phillip), Tiffany (James), Thomas, and Trevor (Sarah); and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy and pride.

Gene was preceded in death by his father, Marvin; his brother, Gerald; his mother, Georgenna; and his beloved wife, Ruth.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, January 16, 2026, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. Visitation will be held Thursday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A memorial has been established with Wheatland Nursing Center. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.