Bette "Tootie" Mayo McDonald passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 15, 2025, in Lompoc, California, at the age of 101.  Born on September 29, 1923 in Santa Monica, California, Bette lived a long and vibrant life enriched by learning, tradition, and family.

As an Alpha Chi Omega, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA in 1946, reflecting her enduring love of knowledge. Her interests were diverse and lifelong—she was an avid reader with a passion for art history and investing.  She also enjoyed needlepoint, tennis, golf, bridge, volunteering and daily walks.  She loved to travel and make special memories with her family. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution as Bette valued her heritage and the principles it embodied.

In 1986, she achieved a memorable milestone by scoring a hole-in-one at Big Canyon Country Club—an accomplishment she held dear during her many years in Newport Beach. Moving from Los Angeles in 1955, she raised her family on Lido Island until 1979 when she moved to Jasmine Creek in Corona Del Mar.  In 2017, she relocated to Lompoc to live with her son and his family for the final years of her life.

Raised in the Christian Science faith by her father, Bette embraced the belief that she was "God's perfect child," a guiding principle throughout her life. She was very proud of her father Luther T. Mayo who built many buildings in Los Angeles between 1917-1930.

Bette is lovingly remembered by her son Dan Vordale (Donna); grandchildren Daniel Vordale (Karen), Lisa Cordes (Mark), and Kelly West (Jake); and great-grandchildren Donovan, Vivienne, and Ellison Vordale; Paxton, Blaire, and Duke Cordes; and Winslow and Rooney West.  She will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her father Luther Towns "LT" Mayo; mother Marguerite Maloney Kneen; son Robert Peter Vordale; brother Luther Townes Mayo Jr.; sister Sally Hagland; former husband Robert Conkey Vordale; husband Bernard A. McDonald and her loving friend and companion in her final years, Donald Tippett.

A private family graveside service will be held at Pacific View Memorial Park, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar, California.  In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to your local library in her honor.