Kenneth E. Bettridge

April 22, 1943 – Dec. 7, 2018

Kenneth Elmer Bettridge, fondly known as “KB,” passed away Dec. 7, 2018, in Cedar City, Utah, at the age of 75. He was born April 22, 1943, in Cedar City to Elmer and Lillie Dutton Bettridge. KB grew up in Parowan, Utah, and graduated from Parowan High School in 1961 where he was a star basketball player. He married Georgia Jean Rowley in the St. George Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 23, 1962.

Following graduation from Parowan High, KB went to work for Don Draper in Cedar City. In 1969, Don retired, and Ken was given the opportunity to take over Don’s position at American Oil as a jobber, where he continued until June of 1976. At that time, American Oil was selling to their jobbers. Ken, along with his wife, Georgia, took the opportunity, and Ken Bettridge Distributing was established. They continued to operate the business until it was sold to their sons in 2006.

KB was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a high councilor and in bishoprics in both home and university stakes and wards. KB and Georgia served in “the only perfect mission,” the Oregon Portland mission, from July of 2011 to July of 2012.

KB was an avid supporter of high school sports. He loved cheering on his favorite teams: Parowan, Cedar and Canyon View high schools. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in high school activities. KB enjoyed many years of watching Utah Jazz basketball and Los Angeles Dodgers games.

Kenneth “KB” Bettridge in front of one of his oil trucks.

In retirement, KB found a love for rebuilding tractors and going for rides with his “posse” of good friends. He not only enjoyed driving, he loved trucks – all kinds of trucks. KB was the original Costco shopper. He was well known for purchasing large quantities (you might be familiar with his flashlight collection).

However, his most prized collection was his friends. KB was a friend to all. He had a gift for making everyone feel like his best friend.

Ken is survived by his wife, Georgia; his children: Stacey (Jill) Bettridge, Becky (Lyle) Stucker, Rand (Cami) Bettridge and Angie (Kyle) Lambeth; 15 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren, as well as his siblings, Ellarene Warren, Mary (Mike) Lisonbee, Ward (Alice) Bettridge and sister-in-law Vickie Bettridge. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Lillie Bettridge; his brother Robert “Bob” Bettridge; and brother-in-law Bill Warren.

Funeral services

  • A viewing will be held on Thursday, Dec. 13, from 5-8 p.m. at Southern Utah Mortuary, 190 N. 300 West, Cedar City. A second viewing will be held on Friday, Dec. 14, from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Cedar West Stake Center, 725 S. 1100 West. The funeral will follow at noon.
  • Interment will be in the Parowan City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Ken Bettridge charitable account at State Bank of Southern Utah, 435-865-2300.

Arrangements are by Southern Utah Mortuary, 435-586-4040. Click here to visit the mortuary’s website.

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