Rochelle Raye Beeson

Rochelle Raye Beeson (Bettinelli) was born to Constance (Moreda) and Ralph Bettinelli on July 19, 1966 in Petaluma, CA and unexpectedly passed on May 11, 2025 at her home in Potter Valley, CA.

Rochelle or “Rocky” was raised on The Bettinelli Dairy, a multigenerational farm, on the east hills of Petaluma, with her four siblings, and a gaggle of cousins and friends ever present, of whom many were her lifelong best friends. Her childhood was full of adventure and animals. She talked fondly of family hunting, pinochle games, time at “The Duck Shack,” and her eyes would light up when she talked about time spent at the race track with their horses.

Rochelle participated and competed in 4-H, FFA, gymkhanas, horse shows, and California HIgh School Rodeo District 2. She was known as the little gal with the huge Dairy cows and was voted “Ms. Vitality” in the District 2 Dairy Princess Pageant; how fitting! As an adult she volunteered in all these organizations and more, including being an integral part of the Potter Valley Rodeo Association and the Potter Valley Drill Team. She raised her own children in the same way. She was so generous and would literally help anyone that she could. She would go above and beyond to teach and share with others.

Rochelle met her husband, Brian, at the Lake County Fair at a Team Penning. They married on July 30, 1988, and built their life in Potter Valley, CA. They shared a passionate, crazy love that many people only dream of and is the stuff that movies and songs are inspired from. They worked alongside each other nearly everyday in some of the most beautiful and rugged terrain in Northern California, cattle ranching together on well finished ranch horses and a string of dogs that would make any handler jealous. Rochelle spent her last day helping to finish gathering the very ranch that Brian passed away on just ten days prior. It was very important to her to finish the job in Brian’s honor.

Rochelle was a real spitfire who loved fiercely with a loud infectious laugh and a hearty “snort,” if something was especially comical. She was rough and tough, but kind and funny, and had a concern that things be “fair.” She was a real cowgirl with a huge grin that was reminiscent of both of her parents.

Family and friends were everything to Rochelle; they gave her energy and light. She is survived by her children Chance (Kristin), Raylene (Tyler) Sizemore, and Blair (Kylee), father-in-law Gerald Beeson, siblings, Kim (Jeff) Jones, Roxanne Bettinelli, Dawn Bettinelli, Egidio (Cindy) Bettinelli and seventeen adored nieces and nephews. Her husband Brian Beeson, parents Ralph and Connie Bettinelli, and mother-in-law Kay Beeson, preceded her in death.

Please join us May 18, 2025 to celebrate the life of our feisty Cowgirl, along with her cherished husband, Brian. At high noon there will be a Cowboy Funeral Procession from the Potter Valley Rodeo Grounds to the Potter Valley Cemetery for a 1pm Graveside Service. Passenger vehicles, please come from the south on West Road and follow parking directions. Following will be a Memorial Service at the Eddie Ranch (9401 Main Street, Potter Valley, CA) and dinner. Please bring your branding irons to help create a memorial keepsake for the Beeson Children.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any of the Potter Valley Youth or Non-Profit organizations.