Catherine L. ‘Kitty’ Bettis, retired English teacher

Catherine L. "Kitty" Bettis, 82, of Lancaster, Pa., formerly of Naples, Fla., and Rehoboth Beach, passed away Friday morning, April 7, 2017, at Mennonite Home following a lengthy illness. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin H. and Catherine R. Brackbill High.

After graduating from McCaskey High School in 1952, Kitty earned a bachelor of arts degree in education from Goshen College and a master's degree in education from Boston University. Prior to retiring from the Cape Henlopen School District, she taught for 40 years in Pennsylvania and Delaware schools. Following retirement, she volunteered her time teaching English to refugees at Grace Place in Naples.

In addition to being an avid tennis player, Kitty traveled extensively. Her travels took her to many places around the world, as well as cross-country trips with her grandchildren. She was also active with the Village Improvement Association and a member of Epworth United Methodist Church, both in Rehoboth Beach.

She is survived by a daughter, Cathy L. Hayes of the State of Washington; five grandchildren, Timothy Somers, Jennifer Somers, Andrew Palfi, Tony Hayes, and Nick Hayes; three great-grandchildren; and two siblings, Carol S. Stocker of Apache Junction, Ariz., and H. Herbert, husband of Joanne B. High, of Lancaster. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Carol L. Kennerly, and a sister, Janet I. Brunk.

A Service of Celebration for the life of Kitty will be held Friday, June 9, at 1 p.m., at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, with the Rev. Vicky Starnes and the Rev. Jonathan Baker officiating. There will be no public viewing. Light refreshments will follow the service. If desired, contributions may be made in her memory to Epworth United Methodist Church.

To express a condolence with the family or for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.