Joseph B Bettencourt

Joe B. Bettencourt, September 27, 1945 – March 11, 2026

Joe B. Bettencourt of Chowchilla, California, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026.

Joe was born on September 27, 1945, to Joseph and Maria Bettencourt. He was a man of steady character whose life was deeply rooted in faith, family, and love for his country.

In 1966, Joe answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army with the Army Corps of Engineers. After completing his service, he returned home to his sweetheart, Mary. The two were married in July of 1969 and began building their life together in the Merced area, where they raised their family with devotion, hard work, and strong values.

A dairyman by trade, Joe dedicated more than 30 years to the dairy industry throughout Merced County and Hanford. He took great pride in his work and truly loved the dairy life. When he wasn’t working, Joe treasured time spent with his family. He loved the outdoors, family camping trips, and riding his sandrail through the dunes at Pismo Beach. One of his greatest joys was seeing his son and grandchildren share in that passion, continuing the Bettencourt family tradition of adventure in the dunes.

In his later years, Joe found great joy and brotherhood in the community of VFW Post 9896, American Legion Post 148 and the Young Men’s Institute, spending many years honoring others. He found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed spending time at home with his wife Mary and daughter Renee, watching hummingbirds and doves, working on puzzles together, and, of course, enjoying his ice cream. Joe was a devoted husband who adored Mary and deeply appreciated the loving care she gave him. She was truly the light of his life and he was truly the love of hers. Known for his quiet strength and deep, steady love for his family, Joe always placed family above all else.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his daughter, Renee; his son, Joey; his daughter-in-law, Shawna; and his cherished grandchildren, Cody and Austin. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Rocha.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joe’s memory to:

VFW Post #9896, 245 S. 5th Street, Chowchilla, California

American Legion Post 148, P.O. Box 272, Chowchilla, California

A Mass will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Saint Columba Catholic Church, 213 Orange Avenue, Chowchilla, California.

Burial will follow at Chowchilla Cemetery District, 23359 Road 14 1/2, Chowchilla, California.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever part of the lives he touched.

Please join us in remembering Joseph B Bettencourt by visiting our Memorial at www.wordenchapel.com

Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Bettencourt Family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Palm Memorial Worden Chapel, Lori Whatley, Funeral Arranger