Kristina “Kris” L. Bettes, 49, of Winnie, Texas, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2014, after an intense, year-long battle with cancer. She was born July 9, 1964, to Jeanne Allen and Clifford Calkins, in Denver, Colo. She had been a resident of the Winnie area for five years.

Kristina and her family moved to Homer in June of 1974. While growing up in Homer, she loved fishing and exploring Kachemak Bay. During her high school years she enjoyed and excelled at playing the clarinet in band and competing on the high school swim team. She broke state records in the 100-yard relay event and won many other events. She graduated from Homer High School in 1982.

Kristina married William Bettes on Dec. 21, 1986, in Anchorage. They moved to Pennsylvania where she successfully climbed the corporate ladder, while working for a large insurance firm, called the Underwriters Group. Kristina and her husband moved to Tennessee in 1995 and eventually to Winnie, Texas. Throughout her life, Kristina loved boating, enjoying the waters in Alaska, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas. She loved fishing, especially for Alaska halibut and salmon, gardening, reading, competitive darts, a good joke, and all of her furry four-legged friends. 

“Kris had a generous and compassionate heart. She was a wonderful wife, the best sister anyone could have, a treasured auntie, and a loyal friend. She will be forever missed and always in our hearts,” her family said in a statement.

 Survivors include her husband, William “Bill” Bettes of Winnie, Texas; sister, Theresa Ross and her husband, Malcolm, of Homer; niece, Mystique Ross, and nephew, Alden Ross, both of Homer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jeanne and Clifford Calkins. 

A gathering of Mrs. Bettes’ family and friends was from 5-8 p.m., with her memorial service at 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie, Texas. A family committal was held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to American Cancer Society, 755 South 11th Street, Suite 212, Beaumont, Texas 77701.

Complete and updated information may be found at www.broussards1889.com