Carolyn was born to Greta and Anton Ford on August 28, 1945. She attended Longfellow Elementary, Roosevelt Jr. High, and East High School. At East High she was considered a real beauty. She was intelligent, witty, and enthusiastic. Learning came easily to Carolyn. She furthered her studies at BYU, the U of U, and at Cambridge in her chosen field of social work.
In 1965 she married Cass Bettinger, the father of her four children; Michelle, Chris, Jonathon and Nicole. For a long time, she lived with her young family in Peru as well as in the Philippines. When her marriage ended, she went back to school and earned a master's degree as a single mother. She became a counselor in the Granite School District at Hunter Jr. High and Hunter High School - a career that spanned 20 years. Her "people" skills touched innumerable lives for good. Her students adored her as she made them feel important, listened to, comforted, and loved. Many of her students became lifelong friends.
Carolyn loved being a mother to Michelle, Chris, Jonathon, and Nicole. She was proud of her children and loved them dearly. Tragically, Michelle and Jonathon preceded her in death - a heartache she bore in a truly admirable way.
She was a loving grandma to Jonathon's children, Jaden and Jordyn. They will miss her love and her spirit of adventure in their lives.
Carolyn was loved by many friends whom she held close through the years. People from all walks of life populated her world on a daily basis, Her curiosity and natural aptitudes opened the doors to global adventure - world travel became an unquenchable passion.
Carolyn was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was a Christ-like example to all who knew her. She served in numerous capacities with energy and enthusiasm. Her spiritual gifts were many and she generously shared them.
Carolyn lived her life fully - had her share of triumphs and disappointment - but strived to make the world a better, kinder place. We are better because we knew her. She will be dearly missed and remembered fondly, by those whose lives touched hers.
She is survived by her two children, Chris Bettinger (and his wife Deona), and her daughter, Nicole Bettinger Walters (Chad); her grandchildren, Jordyn and Jaden, and their mother Jessica Smithen; her brother, Clyde Ford and his children; James, Derek, Matt, Scott, Rebecca and Stacey. She was preceded in death by her 2 children, Michelle and Jonathon, and her nephew John Gregory Ford.
A service to honor Carolyn will be held Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Holladay 25th Ward Meetinghouse at 4650 Naniloa Drive (2880 East). Family and friends may call from 10:30 am - 11:45 am. The funeral will follow at 12:00 noon. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive.
PALLBEARERS
Chris BettingerPallbearer
Jaden BettingerPallbearer
James FordPallbearer
Derek FordPallbearer
Matt FordPallbearer
Scott FordPallbearer
Jordyn BettingerHonorary Pallbearer
Clyde FordHonorary Pallbearer
James PackHonorary Pallbearer
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