Elizabeth Benton

1938 - 2022

Elizabeth "Jean" Benton



Jean Benton,

aged 84, of Albuquerque, NM,

passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2022. She was born April 17th, 1938 in Belfast, Northern Ireland to the late George and Rachel Ritchie. Jean came to the United States in 1960 to be a live in Au Pair for a widower, who was a scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Jean had never been on an airplane, nor had she been away from her family before. She was scared yet excited to see a new world, little did she know the man she was going to work for would become her husband. She married Clarence Benton on September 17, 1960. They were happily married for 22 years until Clarence passed away in 1982. After his death, Jean moved to Albuquerque in 1985. She became one of the first members of St Francis Episcopal Church and helped lay the brick floor for the sanctuary. She enjoyed being a part of the Choir and was head of the hospitality committee. She was known for her egg salad sandwiches which she would make for church members to enjoy after the Sunday service. She was also a member of the Daughters of the King. She was glad when she met other women from the United Kingdom and was a member of the Daughters of the British Empire (DBE) and enjoyed the meetings and annual luncheons. She loved helping others and baking.

Jean is survived by her daughter Clare Manning and Grandson Brian of Albuquerque, daughter Jean Eileen Benton of Albuquerque, her Sister Ellen Murphy and husband Brian, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Clarence, her brothers George, Joe and Billy, and her sister Doreen.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday,

December 15 12:00 noon at St. Francis Episcopal

Church 2903 Cabezon Road Rio Rancho, NM. In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to the Animal Humane Society.