Bethany Alaire Kellar

May 20, 1978 – October 28, 2026

Bethany Alaire Stevenson Kellar, 48, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on October 28, 2026, following complications from a brain tumor she had courageously battled since 2019.

Bethany lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since birth, she had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which guided her throughout her life. Her devotion to her faith was evident not only in her words, but in the way she loved, served, and cared for those around her.

Bethany was truly a social butterfly who never met a stranger. With her beautiful smile, bright eyes, and bubbly personality, she had a natural way of making everyone feel welcome and loved. She had a gift for connecting with people, making friends wherever she went, and bringing joy into every room she entered. All who knew Bethany loved her. Her warmth, enthusiasm, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

Bethany married her sweetheart, Matthew J. Kellar, on May 24, 1997, and together they were sealed for time and all eternity in the LDS Orlando Florida Temple. They began their life together building a family and raising their three beloved sons, Zachary, Carson, and Matthew Jr., who were the greatest joy and accomplishment of her life. Bethany was a devoted wife and mother, and her love for her family was at the heart of everything she did.

One of Bethany's lifelong passions was the art of dance. She began dancing at just three years old and continued her training at Beth Marks Ballet Arts Centre in Jacksonville. She went on to graduate from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, where her love and appreciation for the performing arts continued to flourish. Her passion for dance eventually led her to open her own studio, Art In Motion, in Macclenny, Florida. For ten wonderful years, Bethany shared the gift of dance with her students, inspiring them through her teaching and passing along the joy and artistry she had loved since childhood. After the birth of her third son, she closed her studio to devote more time to her growing family. Her love for dance never faded, and she later returned to teaching at the Ballet Arts Centre and served as Executive Manager at Heather Loveland Dance Academy.

Bethany's influence in the arts extended throughout the greater Jacksonville dance community, where she had deep roots and lasting relationships. She proudly served as President of the Board of Directors for The Community Nutcracker, Inc., where she played an instrumental role in bringing this beloved holiday tradition to life each year at the historic Florida Theatre. Known for her professionalism, diplomacy, and genuine joy in the work, Bethany had a special ability to bring people together. She helped unite dancers, studios, families, and arts supporters around a shared love of the performing arts. Her leadership and contributions to the organization were immeasurable, and her impact on the Jacksonville dance community will continue to be felt for years to come. Whether as a dancer, teacher, or community leader, Bethany dedicated herself to sharing the beauty and joy of dance with others.

Throughout her life, Bethany also found great purpose and fulfillment in serving others through her church. She served in numerous leadership capacities, most recently as the Stake Young Women President. She dedicated many years to the Young Women's organization, where she formed meaningful relationships with teenage girls, serving as a mentor, friend, and example of faith. She had a special gift for connecting with young women and helping them feel loved, valued, and supported. She especially looked forward to Girls' Camp each year and treasured the friendships and memories made there. And anyone who attended a church youth dance with Bethany knew she could always be found encouraging the girls and boys to get out on the dance floor. She brought energy, enthusiasm, and joy wherever she went.

Bethany's love extended well beyond her immediate family. She is survived by her beloved husband, Matthew J. Kellar; their three sons, Zachary Austin 24, Carson James 19, and Matthew John Jr.16; her mother, Patricia Stevenson; her sisters, Heather Loveland (Ian) and Katherine Stevenson; and her brother, Robert Stevenson, IV. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom she loved and cared for deeply. To them, she was so much more than an aunt. She was a second mother, offering unconditional love, guidance, encouragement, and support as she did with her own children. The special place she held in each of their lives will never be replaced.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert C. Stevenson III.

Though her earthly journey has ended, the eternal promises she believed in so deeply bring comfort and hope to those she leaves behind. Her family finds peace in the knowledge of eternal families and the hope of being reunited again.

Funeral and Celebration of Life Services will be as follows:

Public Viewing will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 11801 San Jose Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32223

Funeral Service Saturday, November 7, 2026, 10:00 a.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4087 Hendricks Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32207

In honor of Bethany, her family invites everyone attending the funeral service to wear green, a special way to celebrate her life and honor her memory.

Interment will immediately follow the funeral service at Mandarin Cemetery, Mandarin Road & Magnolia Estates Road Jacksonville, FL 32223

A Celebration of Life Following the interment will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026 - family and friends are invited to join together for a Celebration of Life honoring Bethany at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4087 Hendricks Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32207.