Elizabeth C. (Artz) Bennett

Elizabeth Carol “Bettie” (Artz) Bennett, 94, of Williamsport and formerly of Jersey Shore was welcomed into the arms of Jesus early Sunday morning, May 1, 2022 at UPMC Susquehanna, Williamsport.

Born July 5, 1927 in Pottsville, she was the daughter of the late John Franklin and Elizabeth J. (Frantz) Artz.

Bettie graduated from Kensington All Girls High School in Philadelphia.  As a young girl, she worked in the Blum Store in Philadelphia and was also a volunteer through the Red Cross at the Veteran’s Hospital at Valley Forge where she met her future husband, Roger E. Bennett at a Valentine’s dance.  They were married on July 18, 1947 after only 6 months of dating.  They moved to Jersey Shore in the mid 1950’s after Roger completed training to become a certified watchmaker.  The Bennett’s purchased a jewelry store in Jersey Shore in 1961 from Robert Dice, Jeweler, where Bettie was employed as a book keeper and sales clerk.  Roger Bennett Jewelers was born and they opened a second store in Lock Haven in 1973.  Due to ill health, Roger retired from the business in December 1977.  Roger and Bettie were married for 37 years until his passing on August 11, 1984.

Bettie joined the First United Methodist Church, Jersey Shore in 1955.  She has served on many committees, including the choir and Sunday school teacher.  She had also done two mission trips, one in 1987 to Fairbanks, Alaska and the other in 1988 to Texas.  She was a member of the ABWA, Williamsport Soroptimist, Red Hat Society and volunteered with the Red Cross at the Veterans Hospital.  She was also a den mother with the cub scouts and helped with the girl scouts.

 Bettie served as a hostess product demonstrator at local grocery stores for several years.  She also worked as a caregiver in her later years until age 86.  She was a mission minded person and was passionate about helping others.   She served at the Jersey Shore Love Center and Sojourner Truth Ministries in Williamsport.  Bettie loved God and her family most.  She enjoyed gardening, cooking and baking.  It was said that she could make a meal out of a bottle of ketchup. She was known for her special Christmas cookies which she gifted to family and friends and even bus drivers.   Bettie loved wildlife, birds, butterflies, angels and flowers. 

Her "yorkies", Cherub, Sera and Angel were her heart.

Mom requested colorful attire at her funeral, no black.  She was all about color and dressed to the nines.

Bettie is survived by one son; Kent A. Bennett (Clara) of Muncy, two daughters; Jeanne B. Wrench (Michael) of Bastress and Andree B. Kleese of Williamsport, six grandchildren; Barry Wrench, Michael Wrench, Jr., Jade Kleese, Amy E. Barker, Christina Rafter and Michelle Sampson, 12 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild and special canine friend Bessie.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son; R. Barry Bennett, brother; Charles Artz, sister; Jean Artz Thompson and special companion; Thomas Kinkade.

There will be a memorial service held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church, 236 S. Main St., Jersey Shore.  Following the memorial service, there will be a luncheon and time of sharing memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church.

Arrangements are being handled by Rearick-Carpenter Funeral Home, 1002 Allegheny St., Jersey Shore.

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