Elizabeth Jane Leto

ELIZABETH (BETTE) JANE BENGE LETO, of West Grove, 88, passed away peacefully at the Jenner's Pond Preston Unit on September 3, 2011. She was a resident of Kennett Township for almost 55 years prior to moving to Jenner's Pond in 2006.

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, September 20, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Emma Watson Benge and Leroy Benge, Sr., of Yorklyn, DE. At the age of six, she moved with her family to Kennett Square where she attended the Kennett Consolidated School graduating in the Class of 1940. She then attended Shippensburg State Teachers College graduating with a degree in Elementary Education. Bette taught at Mount Pleasant School in Wilmington, DE, for eight years prior to her marriage to Oreste (Tino) Leto, Jr. Later, she was a substitute teacher in the Kennett School District. Bette and Tino were married October 18,1952, at the Kennett Square Presbyterian Church and they enjoyed 54 years together prior to Tino's death in 2006.

Bette is survived by one brother, Dr. John H. Benge of Kennett Square. She is also survived by nephews James Benge (Joanne) of Hockessin, DE; Malcolm Benge (Maura) of Bethesda, MD; Dr. Bruce Benge (Tuna) of New Garden, John Benge, Jr. of Georgetown, DE, and niece, Barbara Benge Kehoe (Robert) of Chicago, and many great nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Tino, she was predeceased by her brother, Leroy Benge, Jr., and nieces Margaret Benge Johnson and Rebecca Benge. Bette was very devoted to her brother John's children and grandchildren.

Also surviving are members of the Leto family: Robert (Kay), Victor, Marie Leto, Charles (Betty), and Warren Smith all of Kennett Square and Sylvia Leto Fawcett of Jenner's Pond in addition to many nieces and nephews.

Bette was an avid listener of conservative talk radio programs and enjoyed discussing politics with family and friends. Bette loved being with people, made friends easily, and maintained many life-long friendships. She enjoyed writing and corresponded frequently with family and friends. She was a very astute individual who was well-read and had a keen eye for finance. She had a great sense of humor and loved telling jokes. She was a lovely and gracious lady who will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Bette and Tino traveled extensively in the States and abroad, including attending Tino's World War II 388th Bomber Group Reunions that were held throughout the US and overseas.

Bette was a life-long member of the Kennett Square Presbyterian Church. Having a deep interest in history, she served as secretary of the Kennett Township Historical Committee for quite a few number of years. She was also a former member of the Four Seasons Garden Club of Kennett Square.

Bette and Tino were very close to their families and generously funded the education of a number of nieces and nephews. Bette was regular contributor to a number of organizations and charities, her favorite being the Salvation Army.

Bette's family would like to extend their appreciation to the nursing staff at Jenner's Pond, both in Preston and Ruston Units, for the excellent, loving care provided during the nearly five years of residence.

A memorial service will be held at the Kennett Square Presbyterian Church on
Friday, September 9, 2011, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to the service. Burial in the Union Hill Cemetery will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kennett Square Presbyterian Church, 211 South Broad Street, Kennett Square, PA., or to the Salvation Army, 701 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123. Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (610-444-4116) of Kennett Square. To send an online condolence, please visit www.griecocares.com