obit of Bette Arch Tuesday May 24th 2011 in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune in southern California.
The remarkable life of Bette Arch ended peacefully on Sunday May 15th 2011 at Pomona Valley Hospital in Pomona,Ca. after a brief illness. Born Jan 1 1919 in New Mexico Beatrice Amanda Paxton was the youngest child of Frank and Pauline Paxton. Her father was a Rough Rider under Teddy Roosevelt during the Spanish American War. Her other, blind from childhood, led a full independent life. In 1942 Bette married B-24 pilot Major Clyde Gray, she was train in the Women's Air Force Service Program when Clyde was killed in action in 1944. She learned to fly before learning to drive. In 1945 Bette married Capt. Clifford J. Arch. They raised 2 sons Steve and Jeff in Covina,California. Bette was a librarian at Traweek and Lark Ellen schools and taught synchronized swimming to a generation of neighborhood kids. In retirement she enjoyed caring for grandchildren, Chris and Alicia. After Clifford death she lived in Tucson next door to sister and lifelong best friend Peggy, Bette returned to California in 2010 after the birth of great grandchild Chloe and was in good health until her last 10 days. She was preceded in death by husband Clyde Gray and husband of 52 years Clifford J Arch. She is survived by sister Margaret Hopkins of Oro Valley Arizona, son Steve Arch (Heidi) of San Dimas,Ca., grandson Chris Arch (Ariana) of Pomona, granddaughter Alicia Brandy (Tom) and great granddaughter Chloe of Fontana,Ca.
son Jeff Arch (Cindy) of Mendocino,CA nephews,nieces, cousins, grandnephews and friends. A memorial service will be held in Tucson,Arizona on Aug 13th; Bette will be remembered as a loyal friend, loving sister, generous aunt, proud grandmother and the best mother her sons could ever hope for. Please honor her life by donating time or money to your local library,school or animal shelter. Mortuary services by Todd Memorial Chapel of Pomona. You were our blessing and now you're free of pain at last.