Bette was born in Susanville, California, to Clifford Ovi Gledhill and Anne Robinson along with her twin brother Rhett, joining their older sister Susan. At the start of the Second World War her father moved the family to Los Angeles to be around relatives. His purpose was to enlist, but in the interim, a law had been passed that disallowed his enlistment due to the number of children in the family. When she was about ten years old, they moved to Utah when her father was offered a Dodge dealership. Later they also spent about three years in Indiana when her father was called to be the Mission President of the Great Lakes Mission. When they returned from the mission, Bette enrolled at Brigham Young University where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology.

Bette was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a great influence on those with whom she served. Bette lived in Salt Lake City working as a career counselor and later on as a social worker. She was known as Auntie Bette by her nieces and nephews. She was active in their lives, often cheering them on at football games and dance recitals.

In 1987 she met and married John Forbes McAra in a whirlwind four-month romance. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on July 30, 1987, and moved to Leesburg, Virginia. Shortly thereafter they moved to Woodinville, Washington. She eagerly inherited two stepchildren, Cameron and Courtney, who both lived with John and Bette in their Woodinville home. The McAra's were known for their generosity and frequently opened their home to families in need and foster children. Bette continued to work, and co-founded Next Step, Inc,. a career counseling program. In 2003 John and Bette moved to Bellingham, Washington, where they lived for nine years.

Upon John's retirement, they began their long-awaited missionary work. Their first assignment was in the Australia Sydney Mission where they served for two years. The first six months were in a Sydney inner suburb and the remainder in a small beach town of Narooma. They returned to the United States and then served as missionaries in the Tampa Florida Mission. Upon their return they decided to settle down in St. George, Utah, a town near and dear to their hearts and close to family. They then served local missions in the Family History Records Operation Center and as Guides in the Historic Sites Mission in St. George.

Bette is survived by her husband John, her son Cameron (Lisa) of St. George, Utah, and daughter Courtney (Josh Allen) of Tualatin, Oregon. She had six grandchildren: Laken, Brandon, Taylor, Emryll, Madison and Alexander and a great grandson: George; and also her siblings and their spouses, Rhett (Thayes) Gledhill of Diamond Valley, Utah, and Susan (Verl) Doman of Cedar Hills, Utah.

In an early blessing she was told, " I bless you with a cheerful countenance, that you will have faith in your fellow-man and radiate cheer, goodwill, and charity through your life."

A viewing open to all friends and family will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., with a viewing prior from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., at the LDS Bloomington 8th Ward Chapel, 3381 Mulberry Drive, St. George, Utah.

Bette's favorite color was yellow, which she always requested to be present at her funeral. We welcome you to incorporate it or any other bright colors into your wardrobe.

For those unable to attend, services will be livestreamed at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/O6JPKD1Clu4?feature=share

Bette McAra Funeral Service Program