Clara Elizabeth “Betty” Balentine, age 91, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully at her home with family by her side on December 10, 2022.
She was born and raised in Wilmington and was the daughter of the late Darius A. and Harry J. Ryan. Betty graduated from Wilmington High School in 1948.
She raised her family then as they grew, Betty worked for the former Delaware Trust Bank in the human resources department for over 25 years, retiring in 1993. Never letting anything slow her down, she worked as a pharmacy technician for Happy Harry’s, Branmar, then Walgreens for over 10 years retiring again in 2011.
Betty enjoyed shopping and just being out and about. Also giving her joy was her dog, but mostly being with her family, especially her great grandchildren and niece Lynn Tancredi. This was the time she cherished the most. The top of the list was hosting holiday dinners.
Her husband of 49 years, Joseph P. Balentine, died in 2001. Betty is survived by her son Joseph H. Balentine and his wife Sue of Wilmington; 2 grandsons, Michael J. Balentine and his wife Stacey and Joseph M. Balentine and his wife Lindsay, both of Wilmington and 2 grandchildren, Aubrey and Alex Balentine. She is also preceded in death by her children Michael R. Balentine and Kathy D. Critzer.
A viewing will be held on Friday, December 16, from 10 – 11 am at McCrery & Harra Funeral Homes, 3924 Concord Pk., Wilmington where a funeral service will be at 11am. Burial will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Delaware SPCA, 455 Stanton Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713 or www.delspca.org/waystogive or to Bayada Hospice, 4250 Lancaster Pike, Suite 308, Wilmington, DE 19805. For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
