Elizabeth “Betty” May Starn Rittenhouse, age 93, formerly of Newark, Delaware, died peacefully with family at her side on September 16, 2023.  Born in Pleasantville, New Jersey in 1930, Betty was the daughter of Charles Sheppard and Sophie Emma Hees Starn.

Betty was the middle child of a lively family of 15 children.  She and her siblings worked in the family business, Starn’s ShopRite, and enjoyed soaking up the sun, sand and fun on the South Jersey beaches and boardwalks. After graduating from The Friends School in Atlantic City, Betty married Julian “Jude” Rittenhouse in 1951, and moved to Newark where Jude assumed joint leadership in his family business, Rittenhouse Motor Company. Betty and Jude celebrated 64 wonderful years of marriage together.

Betty’s life in Newark included volunteering in community programs, such as the Perry Point Veteran’s Hospital.  She was a companion for veterans with disabilities for many years, taking them on regular outings to local restaurants and community events. She was an honored, long-time active member of the Junior Board of Christiana Care; a colleague shared that Betty’s caring nature and warm smile were always welcomed when she volunteered in the hospital gift shop. Betty was also a member of the Newark United Methodist Church since 1951.  She was especially honored both to serve as Chair of the Decorating Committee and to participate in the Sanctuary Needlepoint Project, stitching needlepoint for the alter kneeling cushion “God the Father”.  The cushion was dedicated in memory of Betty’s father.

Betty enjoyed playing golf at the Newark Country Club and taking golf trips with her family and friends. She was also an avid bridge player, spending many afternoons and evenings with her bridge clubs.  She and Jude loved entertaining in their home, whether a cocktail or dinner party or a festive holiday gathering.  Although she would never boast, it is a known fact that her meals were always delicious and spectacularly presented, along with a generous dose of her elegant, gracious style. Her family and friends really loved her excellent pies, the culinary result of baking with her sisters for huge Starn family meals.

Betty and her family spent many summers boating on the Chesapeake Bay on Jude’s Pacemaker, “Betty Sue”.  She also delighted in hosting 34 annual family vacations in Rehoboth Beach, DE, where she watched her beloved grandchildren grow up, playing on the beach just as she had.  Travelling outside the country truly captured Betty’s imagination. Inspired by her own mother’s travels, her trips to China, Egypt, many European countries, South America, Australia, and Canada were a source of great joy.  She was always ready to pack her suitcase and never ready for a trip to be over.

Betty is survived by her children Steven James Rittenhouse of Daleville, VA and Susan Rittenhouse Weiler (William), Middletown, MD; grandson Brian Kenneth Weiler (Courtney), Nashville, TN and children Quinn, Emma, Lillian; granddaughter Elizabeth Ann Weiler (David), Vancouver, BC, Canada and children Silas and Eamon; grandson Jonathan William Weiler (Laura), Richmond, VA and children Anderson, Jett, Penn; her brother Paul Robert Starn, Galloway, NJ; and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased in death by her beloved husband Julian; her sisters Sophie, Lillian, Esther, Elsie, Peggy, Cathy; and brothers Charles, Fred, Jimmy, Harry, Don, Wesley, Stanley.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Newark United Methodist Church on Friday, October 20 at 2:00 pm, followed by a reception at the Newark Country Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Newark United Methodist Church, 69 East Main Street, Newark, DE 19711.