Elizabeth R. '' Betty'' Bennett, a former Franklin resident, died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999, at the home of her son in Lighthouse Point, Fla., where she had been residing. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, she was a daughter of John and Elizabeth HULMES BATES. She was married Oct. 23, 1937, to Benjamin V. Bennett, who died March 16, 1972. Mrs. Bennett and her husband owned and operated the Venango Valley Amusement Co. for many years. She also was employed for 20 years in the revenue office at Polk Center. She was an active member of St. John Episcopal Church in Franklin, where she was involved with Chi Rho, a youth group, many fund raisers, holiday bazaars and Lenten tureen dinners. Mrs. Bennett was a volunteer for numerous community fund drives and volunteered as an activity assistant at the former Venango Manor. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, the Democratic Women's Club and The Franklin Club. Mrs. Bennett also served as a Democratic committeewoman. Surviving are a son and his wife, Benjamin B. and Joyce Bennett of Lighthouse Point, Fla., and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Bennett was pre ceded in death by four sisters, Isabella STINE, Helen KRIDER, Caroline McEVEY and Marie DUNN; and a brother, Edwin Bates. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Huff Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. John Episcopal Church, Franklin, with the Rev. William A. French officiating. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery near Boardman, Ohio. The family suggests memorial donations be made to St. John Episcopal Church, 513 12th St., Franklin, Pa. 16323.

Bernard W. Bish, 69, of Distant, died late Tuesday evening, Nov. 16, 1999, in St. Francis Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born May 16, 1930, in Distant, he was a son of Charles Martin and Mertie Hilda RHODES Bish. Mr. Bish was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving in the U.S. Air Force 319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. He had been employed at Stew's Sales & Service, now known as Nolf Motors, in Fairmount City. Mr. Bish was a member of the American Legion Post of New Bethlehem. He was of the Protestant faith. Mr. Bish married the former Anna Mae COOK, who survives. Also surviving are a son and his wife, David L. and Barbara Bish of Sunbury; a daughter and her husband, Kimberly and Robert BOWSER of Sligo RD 1; and two grand children, Aubrey and Bradley Bowser, both of Sligo RD 1. He also is survived by two brothers, Homer J. Bish of Distant and Howard Merle Bish of Climax; and three sisters, Lula Grace Bish of Indiana, Pa., Martha ROBINSON of Michigan and Geraldine May BUZZARD of Shelocta. In addition to his parents, Mr. Bish was preceded in death by two brothers, Malcolm C. Bish and Paul D. Bish. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Rupert Funeral Home, New Bethlehem. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home with the Rev. Lyle Westover officiating. Interment will follow in the Oakland Cemetery at Distant, Armstrong County. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Distant Volunteer Fire Co., Distant, Pa. 16223.

Charles T. Downer, 84, of Knox, died at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999, in Beverly Health care-Shippenville. Born June 7, 1915, in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was a son of Charles and Estelle HUMPHRIES Downer. He was an Army veteran of World War II, having served as a medic in the South Pacific. Mr. Downer was a retired science professor, having taught at the university level in Connecticut. He had been a Boy Scout leader and was involved with furthering the education of many young people. Mr. Downer founded the Natural History Museum for Children in Hartford, Conn. He enjoyed making jewelry and collecting fossils. Mr. Downer was preceded in death by his first wife, Alice Downer. On May 6, 1982, he married Sylvia ISLER, who survives. Also surviving are a stepson and his wife, Ronald and Betty Isler of Knox RD 1. In addition to his parents and first wife, Mr. Downer was pre ceded in death by a daughter, Laura Ann Downer, in 1974. The David C. McEntire Funer al Home in Knox is in charge of arrangements. There will be no visitation. Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in Knox Union Cemetery.

Helen Marie Exley, 92, of Knox, a recent resident of Residence at Hilltop in Monongahela, died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999, in Monongahela Valley Hospital. Born Sept. 22, 1907, in Van, she was a daughter of Preston Jacob and Myrna Florine RHOADES WEAVER. Mrs. Exley retired as director of the cafeterias in the Keystone Area School District after 20 years of service. She was a lifelong member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Knox where she had served as a Sunday school teacher. She was a charter member of the L.C.W. of the church. Mrs. Exley was married Sept. 26, 1929, to Harry Frederick Exley, who died Nov. 13, 1993, at the age of 96. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Deretha J. and Albert SCHMITTLEIN of Slippery Rock; a son, Harry Frederic Exley Jr., and his wife, June, of Belle Vernon; seven grandchildren, Michael Schmittlein of Devon, Marc Schmittlein of Leesburg, Va., Cynthia Schmittlein and Suzanne HANTKE, both of Wilmington, Del., and Todd, Erin and Reid Exley of Belle Vernon; and four greatgrandchildren, Michael J., Alexander, Alexis and Jack Schmittlein. She also is survived by three sisters, Doris McMILLEN of Knox, Jean RALPH of Cranberry and Esther '' Bun'' BERLIN of Merrimack, N.H. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Exley was preceded in death by a sister, Isobel Fassler. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the William N. Rupert Mortuary in Knox. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home with the Rev. Gary Hilfiger, pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment will be in the Knox Union Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

N. June Lynde, 75, of 420 Grant St., died at 7:42 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999, in Northwest Medical Center at Franklin. Born April 21, 1924, in Franklin, she was a daughter of Joseph B. and Emma L. BERRINGER MONG. She was a graduate of Franklin High School. Mrs. Lynde worked as a clerk at a variety of local stores and last worked for 20 years at G.C. Murphy's in Franklin. She enjoyed her dogs and knitting. Surviving are a son and his wife, Gary and Karen Lynde of Franklin; and two grandchildren, Julie Lynde of Columbus, Ohio, and David Lynde of Franklin. She also is survived by three brothers, Richard Mong and his wife, Shirley, and Harry '' Bud'' Mong, all of Franklin, and Mike Mong and his wife, Di, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and one sister, Jody PERRINE of Ocean City, N.J. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Betty Jane Mong. The Robert W. Gardinier Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. There will be no visitation and no services. Interment will be in Reno Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Venango County Humane Society.

William Rottman Jr., 71, of Garland, Texas, formerly of Parker, died Saturday, Nov. 6, 1999, after a 10-month battle with lung and liver cancer. Born May 21, 1928, in Karns City, he was a son of William M. and Margaret Marie WESECHMAN Rottman. Mr. Rottman was employed for 22 years at Knox Glass Plant in Parker. He then moved from the area, residing in Harvey, Ill., and Meadville, and retired in Garland, Texas. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching baseball, traveling in the summer and spending time with his family. Surviving are his wife, Mary Martha Rottman of Garland, Texas; three daughters, Marge VOSS of Park Forest, Ill., Toni LYTLE of Plano, Texas, and Mary HAYES of Livonia, Mich; two sons, Frank Rottman and Todd Rottman, both of Garland, Texas; 13 grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Rottman was preceded in death by a brother, Henry W. Rottman, July 22, 1996; a sister, Mrs. Mary DONALDSON in July 1995; and a son, Dan Rottman, May 19, 1996. Mr. Rottman requested that his body be cremated. The family will receive friends and relatives at a memorial service to be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Richard D. Hillis Funeral Home in Petrolia.