Gregory Wayne Betts was born on May 27, 1953 to Robert and Dolores (Boulter) Betts. He grew up in Des Moines, graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1971. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1971-1974. Greg spent most of his life working as a lawn and garden specialist. He was a groundskeeper at Resthaven Cemetery for years, where he took care of the grounds, prepared graves and created magical flocked trees during the holiday season. The last part of his career, he obtained his CDL certification through DMACC and then began working for Ford Motor Company. Greg loved fishing and hunting, hosting fish fries with his “special” batter and preparing his famous wild game casserole at Thanksgiving. He believed in UFO’s, reincarnation, and enjoyed watching science fiction, westerns and Star Trek. His favorite book series was by author J.R.R. Tolkien. He was a great history buff who loved sharing his knowledge with others. Music soothed Greg’s soul and brought him to his “happy place”. He had an extensive collection of 60’s and 70’s albums which he played daily. His daughters, Caitlin and Brenna, were the LOVE of his life! Greg enjoyed teaching them his fishing skills, carving pumpkins at Halloween and making them homemade ice cream with his fresh picked strawberries from his garden.

Greg is survived by his daughters, Caitlin and Brenna; granddaughters, Liliana, Hazel and Annalise; mother, Dolores “De” Betts; brother, Daniel Betts; nephew, Daniel Ripley; sister-in-law, Jane Ripley; the mother of his children, Melissa (Higgins) Betts; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. His father, Robert, proceeded him in death. Greg was deeply loved and will forever be in our hearts! Greg has been cremated and a private burial of his cremated remains will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter. A celebration of life will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. September 27, 2020 at the Raccoon River Nature Lodge, 2500 Grand Ave in West Des Moines. Memorial contributions can be made to Greg’s Go Fund Me Page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/tpju4m-funeral-expense