Betty Hilton

Fun loving, adventurous, loyal, hardworking, strong, perfectionistic, athletic, lover of beauty and color; Betty was glamorous to her last breath. These are only a few words that describe our beautiful mother, grandmother and friend. Betty Beaumont was born September 6, 1927, in the Outback of Miles, Queensland, Australia to parents Ellen and Harold Beaumont. It was the Depression and times were tough for the family. At a young age Betty took care of her sickly mother. At age 19 she won the Miss Beach Girl Beauty Competition which catapulted her into a very successful modeling career. With a great deal of hard work and determination, she became one of the leading models of Australia.

At age 24, an American named Donald Anthony Shay saw her picture in the newspaper and said, “I have to meet that woman!” Donald had a six year old daughter, Leslie. It was love at first sight - Donald and Betty were engaged within three weeks and married in March of 1952. After three years, Deborah was born. In 1957 Betty and her family left her beloved Australia and got on a ship to travel the seas to America, eventually settling in Santa Barbara, California. Betty became an excellent and highly competitive tennis player. After 19 years of marriage, Betty and Donald divorced.

Betty, as the strong and independent woman that she was, became a very successful business owner and owned a McDonalds in Illinois for over 20 years.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Betty met Garrett Van Horne. Together, Betty and Garrett lived on the beautiful La Patera Ranch in Goleta and enjoyed entertaining, walks on the beach, and family. Betty treasured her sixteen years of marriage with Garrett before he passed.

Several months after Betty lost Garrett, a shining light was born. Her granddaughter, Kelly Macintosh McCarty, was born and became Betty’s joy and delight.

Betty felt isolated and alone on the Ranch after Garrett’s death and after several years bought a home in Birnham Wood in Montecito. She met John “Jack” Hilton and the two of them fell madly in love and married. Jack was from Pacific Palisades and Betty joined him there. The two of them traveled the world and led a very glamorous life. She and Jack were well matched and enjoyed their life together – Sunday Night Football, parties, and friends. After 14 years of marriage Jack passed on.

Five months after Jack died Betty had a stroke, and her daughter Deborah moved her back to Santa Barbara to care for her. Betty was very well cared for by Norma Ocampo (rock star extraordinaire) and her sister Berenice Morales (weekend rock star extraordinaire). She died of natural causes on December 14, 2014 with her loving family and beloved Cruiser at her side.

Betty is survived by her daughters, Leslie Victoria Shay and Deborah Patricia Shay; granddaughter, Kelly McCarty; and former son-in-law, William McCarty. In addition, she is survived by her stepchildren, Polly and David Van Horne, Katie Van Horne, Anne (Van Horne) and Steve Evans, Hilary (Hilton), Charlie Marold, Rick Hilton, James and Susan Hilton, Heather (Hilton) and John Keller along with numerous step-grandchildren.

Her family would like to send a warm thank you to her Doctors, Nurses, Hospice and all that cared for her.

There will be a celebration of Betty’s exciting life on January 17, 2015, at 6:00 pm at her home in Birnham Wood. RSVP to Deborah Shay (daughter) 805 886-7643. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to DAWG of Santa Barbara.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.