Leah Ruth Benton

In Loving Memory of Leah Ruth Benton A Life Well-Lived Early Life and Education Leah Ruth (Schultz) Benton was born at home on September 26, 1933, in North Tonawanda, NY. Leah was the youngest of 2 children of the late Irving Schultz and Ruth Schultz-Jones. Attended North Tonawanda High School graduating ahead of her classmates. Leah was graduated from Buffalo State Teachers College with a BS degree in 1954 and her master’s in education in 1959. Career and Contributions Dedicated her life teaching 4th and 5th grade at Barker, Williamsville and North Tonawanda Public Schools (Spruce School). Leah retired in 1991 after 30 years. Family and Personal Life Leah married Paul on June 29th, 1955, in North Tonawanda, NY and had a beautiful marriage for 59 years until his passing in 2014. Leah and Paul had 2 children, Ross and Ruth. They built and lived in their home in North Tonawanda for over 50 years until moving in with their daughter Ruth in Wheatfield, NY in 2014. Leah and Paul active members of Payne Avenue Christian Church in North Tonawanda where Leah was in the choir, handbell choir, Church Elder Emeritus, Pianist, church board clerk, worship chairman, and clerk of the board of elders. Leah was musically talented and played piano frequently for church and for family gatherings. Leah also took pride in her home and gardening with a beautiful elaborate garden. Leah and Paul also enjoyed camping and traveling together. Leah was a voluntary reader at Ohio School after her retirement. Boating was a hobby they were enthusiastic about. Members of the LaSalle Yacht Club and the Swiftwater Power Squadron , Past President of the Alpha Delta Kappa Honorary Teachers Sorority. A Legacy of Love and Wisdom Leah Benton passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, January 6, 2026, at home after a battle with cancer under the care of her daughter Ruth Benton-Misko. She is survived by her children Ross Benton and Ruth Benton-Misko, grandchildren Rebecca (Ryan) Lewis and Paul (Hoa) Benton, Sarah (Scott) Welker and Rachel (Rueben) Hand. Also, many great grandchildren Mason Lewis, Adrianna Lewis, Emelia Hand, Taryn Welker, Roscoe Welker, Rollie Welker as well as 2 foster children. Also, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband R. Paul Benton, Son in-law William “Bill” Misko, Daughter in-law Susan Benton, and her brother Donald Schultz (late Frances). A memorial service will be held on Saturday January 31, 2026 at Wattengel Funeral Home on 533 Meadow Drive in North Tonawanda, NY from noon until 4PM with a service to be held at 4 o’clock at the funeral home, where friends and family will gather to celebrate Leah's remarkable life. Interment and private service will be on Monday, February 2, 2026 at Acacia Park Cemetery Chapel, Lot 123, Site 7, 4215 Tonawanda Creek Road, North Tonawanda, NY 14120. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Payne Avenue Christian Church memorial fund. Leah Benton’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life was a shining example of what it means to live with purpose, passion, and love. Rest in peace, dear Leah; your legacy will continue to inspire us all.

Leah Ruth Benton

September 26, 1933 - January 6, 2026