Bette Jane Mciver

Bette Jane McIver, 70, born on March 18, 1949 in Orange, CA passed away after a long courageous battle with leukemia on January 19, 2020. She was the daughter of John and Beth Beauchamp. She grew up in Tustin, CA and graduated from Tustin High School in 1967. She attended Aurora College in Aurora, IL. Bette returned to California and married her high school sweetheart, Paul McIver, in 1970. They were married for 43 years. Her beloved husband passed in 2013. They resided in Monrovia, CA most of their married life.

Bette held many positions: a house parent in a girl's group home in Utah and in the business office at Disneyland. She worked for Xerox and Pharmacia. The job she liked the best and lasted the longest until her retirement was at STAAR Surgical in Monrovia as a Customer Service Manager. She was affectionately known as "BJ" to all of the staff. They kept in touch with her during her cancer treatment and helped out where they could.

Her husband, Paul, and her parents John and Beth preceded her in death as well as her stepfather, Alfred Drake and father-in-law, Wallace McIver.

Bette is survived by her siblings Mrs. Chris (Bernie) Shuman, Mr. Allyn (Barbara) Beauchamp, Mrs. Ellen (Kevin) Hackbarth, Mr. Floyd Drake; mother-in-law Mrs. Marilyn McIver, sisters-in-law Mrs. Leslie (Stephen) Hutchins, Mrs. Robin Walinski, Aunt Shirley Sieglock and Aunt Jean McIver. She also leaves behind many loyal friends and other family members: cousins, nieces, nephews and 24 great nieces and nephews.

Her love of gardening, cooking, music, and dance were evident when you visited her home. Her gardens reflected her flare for colors and coordinating her attire from head to toe. Lavender was her favorite go-to color. It amazed us how she managed to get all her large planters up the stairs to her garden. There was always music playing in her home and she would dance to all the tunes even when cooking and cleaning. We can picture her growing up, in her tap shoes dancing to Shirley Temple tunes.

Bette was an avid movie devotee, hiker, bicyclist and traveler. Bette loved taking friends and family along on her many journeys. Palm Springs, Santa Cruz, and Sedona were the most fun for her as she could be with those who were close to her.

Her nieces and nephews recall that she always found fun and unique cards and gifts. This was because she loved to explore new places, restaurants, shops, galleries and gardens and shared those places through these cards and gifts. They recognized that she made them feel unique, important and special.

"Tootie" or "BJ", as she was affectionately called, was a loving and compassionate person. She was wise, easy going and kind. Her inner calm and strength certainly guided her through her journey of life. We loved her smile and very big hugs. Her laughter was infectious and she made time to enjoy the beauty of everyday things.

Bette was very generous in her giving to others. She appreciated the opportunities her mother gave her to participate in scouting, dance lessons, baton twirling, sewing, and cooking during her childhood. Her Mom also gave her the joy of attending Camp Maranatha where she met the love of her life Paul (a.k.a. Chippo).

The road was getting rough and the hills she loved hiking too hard to climb. It broke our hearts to lose her but she did not go alone. For part of us went with her the day God called her home.

With grateful hearts we thank the many friends and family members who sent cards and texts, called her, prayed for her, brought meals, did her shopping, gave her rides, watered her yard, cleaned her house, checked her mail, sat with her in the hospital, took care of her at home, and loved her through this journey. To Gladys, BJ's dear friend, God bless you!

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bette J. McIver can be made to:
Camp Maranatha PO Box 1736, Idyllwild, CA 92649 (where she met her husband)

City of Hope Hospital Attn: Giving 1500 Duarte Rd, Durate, CA 91010 (who extended her years with us)

The Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens, Office of Advancement,
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 (her favorite place to wander and get garden ideas)

Arrangements are under the direction of Douglass & Zook Funeral and Cremation Services, Monrovia, CA and details are pending.