Rudolph "Rudy B" Raul Bettencourt

Rudolph Raul Bettencourt ("Rudy B") was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Merced, California. Rudy spent over 20 years traveling the world and serving honorably as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist in the United States Air Force. He was twice deployed in Vietnam (1967-68 & 1970-71) and was very proud of his service. He retired from the service in 1985. After retiring from the USAF he worked as a machinist at the Merced Color Press until retiring for medical reasons.

On August 31, 1996, Rudy B. married Aurora Parreno at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church in La Honda, California and they lived in Merced. He had two daughters and one son.

Known nearly universally by the moniker "Rudy B", he was also known for being an avid car aficionado and restoring classic automobiles. Simultaneously a respected Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend, he is survived by his wife Aurora Parreno Bettencourt, Daughters Christina Thomas & Michelle Escue (Josh), Son Manuel Rene Ramirez (G). Grandchildren, Camryn Thomas and Jarrett David Escue. He is survived by his one brother Richard Bettencourt (Kay), and sisters Liz, Nora and Debbie. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and good friends.

Rudy B. was preceded in death by his mother Sara Bettencourt, father Raul Bettencourt and his sister Connie Hackett.

A memorial service in his honor will be held at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street, Merced, CA 95341 on Sunday November 2, 2014 at 12 p.m. Family and friends are welcome.