Elizabeth "Betty" (Bean) Rittenbaugh, age 86, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at the Paoli Hospital. Born on June 30, 1939, in Chestnut Hill, she was a daughter of the late Elizabeth "Betty" (Arnold) and Edward Bean.
A former member of Paoli Presbyterian Church, Betty served as a Deacon and volunteered with Stephen Ministries, where she would visit with those who were in need of spiritual support. She also offered the same support for hospice patients through Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital.
Betty was a genuinely kind and compassionate person who had a remarkable ability to connect with others. She was an empathetic listener who made people feel heard, valued, and understood. Friends and family often remarked that they felt better after talking with her, as she always offered encouragement, comfort, and a caring perspective.
An avid dancer, Betty was actively involved in Parents without Partners and had a full dance card each weekend because she was such a good dancer. She formed many of her relationships through these events and was always known as the life of the party. She was always happy, loved attending parties, and enjoyed having drinks with friends. She also enjoyed trips with her companion Pete to the casinos, vacations, and time spent at their timeshare in Aruba.
Betty enjoyed celebrating holidays, particularly St. Patrick's Day. She was an overall happy person right to the end. Although she didn't have a large family, she loved her small, tight knit family, for whom she would do anything.
Betty is survived by her children: Gerald "Gerry" (Collette) Patton of Woodland PA and Kim (Marie Walters) Patton of Phoenixville PA; grandson: Michael (Lindsey) Randall of Windsor PA; great-granddaughter: Kayleigh Randall; sister: Carol (Tony) Panaccio; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by siblings: Ed Bean Jr. and Linda Bean; and her longtime companion, Peter Sylvester, with whom she spent 25 loving years.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her memorial service on Thursdsay, June 18, 2026, at 11:00 am, at the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Main Street at Fifth Avenue, Phoenixville. Friends will be received from 10:00 - 11:00 am at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made in Betty's name to Paoli Presbyterian Church, 225 South Valley Road, Paoli, PA 19301, https://pushpay.com/g/paolipres?src=hpp. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.