Mary Bett Hill Carter

August 25, 1932 - January 1, 2021

Mary Bett Carter's life was the personification of love and generosity. Mary Bett was the daughter of Betty and Jess Hill. She was born in Riverside, California and lived in Corona and in numerous other places throughout the country as her father traveled in his professional baseball and coaching career. She graduated from South Pasadena High School and the University of Southern California where she was a member of Delta Gamma.

Mary Bett married Bob Carter in 1955 and they made their home primarily in San Marino and Pasadena. They had two sons, Bob Jr (who married Karen) and Doug. Mary Bett was a wonderful wife, companion, helper, home decorator, nourisher, and hostess for the family, joining with Bob in their avocations of boating, traveling and attending USC football games. She was a consummate mother to her sons, always keeping their best interests in mind. Both boys have fond memories of going places and doing fun activities with their mom like going to double feature matinees, picking up cool stuff at the Blue-Chip Stamp store or Fedco, getting hot fudge sundaes at Van De Kamp's, playing Caroms and Gin Rummy, and hearing her cheer for them at every one of their sporting events. Mary Bett was also blessed by her six grandchildren. She enthusiastically embraced her role as a grandmother and all her grandchildren always looked forward to spending quality time with 'Grambett', learning her recipes, listening to her stories and laughing at her silly jokes. And she continued her enthusiastic attendance at virtually all of their games and other events.

In addition to raising her family, Mary Bett was an elementary school teacher and was the office manager of Bob's law firm. In between those years, she was an active volunteer in many organizations, including the San Marino PTA and Town and Gown of USC. In short, Mary Bett placed her family and others well ahead of herself, and everyone who knew her and her sweet disposition were much better off for it. 

Los Angeles Times, January 10, 2021