Ex-Blade writer worked for art museum, library

11/18/2000

Betty L. Bennett, a former writer for The Blade who went on to earn distinction as a public relations specialist for the Toledo Museum of Art and the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, died Monday of heart problems at Life Care Center of Elyria in Elyria, O. She was 85.

A niece, Joan H. VanWormer, remembers her as an organized, thoughtful role model who dressed neatly wherever she went.

Miss Bennett was a “clever and creative” person who paid a lot of attention to detail, was active in her church, and loved to write, she said.

“She was such a giving, loving person,” Ms. VanWormer said.

Miss Bennett retired in 1980 from the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, where she did public relations work for about a decade. In 1979, she received a Silver Medal award for her work from the Women's Advertising Club of Toledo and the American Advertising Federation.

From 1957 to 1969, she was employed by the art museum, the first two years as appointment secretary and throughout the 1960s as membership secretary. She did public relations and promotions in that latter role, working with as many as 500 volunteers during the annual membership campaign.

Born Aug. 10, 1915, Miss Bennett graduated from Scott High School in 1933. Four years later, she graduated from the University of Toledo with a bachelor's degree in philosophy.

She worked three years for the Ohio Bell Telephone Co., then spent a year working for the American Red Cross before joining The Blade in 1946.

She worked primarily as a writer for the society and women's news sections. In 1949, the Ohio Newspaper Women's Association awarded her a first place award for society writing.

After she left the newspaper in 1955, she went to work for a local public relations firm, Flournoy and Gibbs, Inc.

She was recording secretary and executive board member of the Junior League of Toledo, Inc.

Surviving is her sister, Jane B. Hargate.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Dec. 2 at Trinity Episcopal Church. Arrangements are being handled by Dicken Funeral Home, Elyria.

The family requests tributes to Trinity Episcopal Church.