Benjamin Matthew Martinez Betts, age 57, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 21, 2019, at Billings Clinic Hospital in Billings Montana. 

    Family, friends, and anyone whose lives Ben touched are invited to the services at Trinity Lutheran Church in Coeur d'Alene Idaho, at 812 N 5th St, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814, from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on Friday, December 6th, 2019, and the Malta Lutheran Church 316 S 3rd Ave W, Malta MT 59538 on Saturday, December 14th, from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. to memorialize, reminisce, grieve, and support each other at this time.  

     He was born September 22, 1962, in Everett, Washington, to Joe C. Martinez and Carolsue Lynn (Wensky) Betts. He was one of six boys (#3) growing up where his journey started with several moves as a young military family living in San Antonio TX, Everett WA, then settling in the Seattle and Bothell area.  His mother remarried Robert I Betts during his early years, whom he would call 'Dad' growing up and having a close and supporting relationship.  He was a 1981 graduate of Bothell High School in Bothell, WA, where he participated in most all team sports with many talents and athletic abilities.  He also played alongside his older brothers at times while his family was always in attendance.  He loved baseball dearly where he was a standout and continued to play for many years including college and adult softball leagues.

     Ben married Nikki Andersen in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho where they settled, and had two wonderful daughters (Jenna and Hanna Betts).  Ben worked in the custom home building and construction industry, where he became known as an expert in his field for his abilities across all aspects and knack for solving complex problems.  He truly loved life being in North Idaho where he participated in the community, his church, being outside camping, hunting and fishing, with a growing family of nephews and nieces.  He gained notoriety when he played in L'il Abner and Jesus Christ Superstar in the Lake City Playhouse. After Ben and Nikki went their separate ways, Ben met his longtime friend and partner Kathy 'Kak' Slade Sorbel and moved to Malta, MT. They lived there together for ten years, supporting her mother and their community working on local projects, and traveling as often as they could to visit family and friends in Coeur d'Alene, Missoula, and Seattle.

     He is survived by his longtime partner, Kathy Slade Sorbel, ex-wife Nikki Andersen, daughter Hanna Betts, and Jenna (Betts) Burtis and her husband Dustin and grandchildren, Crosby and Sloan. He leaves behind his parents, Carolsue Lynn (Wensky Martinez) Betts and stepfather Robert Betts, four brothers Joseph Martinez Betts, Zachary Martinez Betts (wife Danielle, daughters Sydney, Josephine, son Alexander), Jonathan Martinez Betts (partner Rose Ott, daughter Marissa Betts) and Scott Betts (wife Jessica, daughter Beatrice), half-siblings Anthony Martinez, Angelo Martinez, and Joanna Nishimura (Martinez) her son Javier Martinez, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Cameron Betts, and his father, Joe Martinez.




Guest book


From: Gaelen Curtis

I was so saddened to hear of Ben’s passing. I met Ben in Recovery & have looked forward to seeing & hearing from him whenever I’m in Malta. I am going to miss him very much. He was so helpful & kind when I lost Doc. Rest In Peace dear friend.


Guest book submissions may be made using the link to the left.