Betts Funeral Services

29/09/2026

Julian recently caught up with OJ In The Morning to talk about a few frequently asked questions about what we do. Thanks for having us OJ, we really appreciated your time 👋🏻

29/07/2026

A fantastic initiative from our local Hospice and a wonderful opportunity for someone looking to make a meaningful difference in our community. See the details below. 👇🏻

Project Coordinator Role
South Canterbury NODA is seeking a compassionate and organised Project Coordinator to build a new No One Dies Alone (NODA) programme. The NODA programme provides trained volunteers to offer companionship and a calming presence to individuals at the end-of-life. This role is vital in ensuring that no one in our community dies without dignity, comfort, and human connection.
Please see below post for further information.
For a job description please contact:
[email protected]

17/07/2026

Kind words like these mean so much to our team.

Knowing a family felt supported, listened to, and genuinely cared for during such a difficult time is why we do what we do.

12/06/2026

Where did the name “Betts” come from?

Betts Funeral Services was established in the late 1940s by Les Betts. Raised in Cromwell, Les learned the funeral profession from his father before relocating to Timaru to establish his own business, L.W. Betts & Co.

With a vision for providing trusted funeral care to the local community, Les chose a site at 33 North Street as the home of his new venture. More than 75 years later, that same location and his name remain the heart of our organisation.

Now known as Betts Funeral Services, the values that inspired Les all those years ago to support generations of South Canterbury families during life’s most difficult moments, remain unchanged.

23/05/2026

Come along to Hospice South Canterbury this Wednesday for a chat about what we do and how we help the families in our community, we’d love to see you there 🤍

24/04/2026

Why are they selling poppies, Mum?
Selling poppies in town today.
The poppies, child, are flowers of love.
For the men who marched away.

But why have they chosen a poppy, Mum?
Why not a beautiful rose?
Because my child, men fought and died
In the fields where the poppies grow.

But why are the poppies so red, Mum?
Why are the poppies so red?
Red is the colour of blood, my child.
The blood that our soldiers shed.

The heart of the poppy is black, Mum.
Why does it have to be black?
Black, my child, is the symbol of grief.
For the men who never came back.

John F Wilcocks

Photo - this morning’s beautiful service in Fairlie

Mackenzie District RSA

24/02/2026

Thanks for having us West End (Timaru) Bowling Club! Looking forward to seeing you all next week! 🏆

Big shout out to Gleniti Autos who kindly sponsored a gift basket for the social bowls raffle won by the team from Betts Funeral Services.

10/04/2025

NZ Wool 😊🐑 We proudly stock Natural Legacy Caskets and urns from Exquisite Wool Traders for those wanting a natural fibre alternative, or to embrace the rich heritage of our New Zealand wool industry. With three whole fleeces of wool in each casket, these beautifully soft and sustainable caskets and urns are crafted with the utmost precision and attention to detail.

03/04/2025

These award-winning contemporary urns are a step away from the traditional urns we are all accustomed to. They are made in New Zealand by Return to Sender Caskets from untreated and sustainably sourced timber, using water-based, environmentally friendly finishes. Assembled and finished by hand, we are proud to work with this dynamic company to offer this beautiful option to the families in our care.

25/03/2025

👇👇👇🩷🩷🩷

We have recently started working with Hokitika Glass Studio to create these beautiful paperweights that incorporate your loved one's ashes (including pet ashes). They come in any colour you wish, and we can organise it all for you. Prices start at $240. Call us to find out more, or call in to see our sample at our office, 33 North Street, Timaru.