Obituary of Elizabeth M. Van Benschoten

Elizabeth ‘Betty’ M. Van Benschoten passed away at Lockport Memorial Hospital on July 11, 2006, after a brief illness. The daughter of German immigrants, Karl and Margaret Allmer who entered the U.S. through Ellis Island, Betty was born in Brooklyn NY on May 13, 1924. During WWII, she served her country as a ‘Rosy the Riveter’ making Grumman F6F Hellcat fighters for the Navy. She was married to the late Edward ‘Jerry’ Van Benschoten and lived in New Kingston, NY, in the beautiful Catskill Mountains, for half a century. She moved to Lockport in 2001 to live with her son and his family. Betty was a homemaker, quilter, avid reader, crossword puzzle aficionado, and lover of the arts. She was active in the Dale Association in Lockport. Paramount to all else was her devotion to her family. She is survived by her children Susan (Jim) Berry of Columbus, OH, Claire Van Benschoten of Castalian Springs, TN, and John (Anne) Van Benschoten of Lockport, and her grandchildren Chris and Heather Luke of Columbus, OH, and Laura and Eric Van Benschoten of Lockport. She is also survived by her brother Karl (Emily) Allmer of Port St Lucie, FL. A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations in Betty’s name can be made to the Dale Association of Lockport.