Benita Maria St. Amant

Benita “Bunny” Maria Ruero St. Amant passed away peacefully at home in Glyndon, Md. on September 26, 2026 after dealing with stage five kidney disease for nearly a year. Born on October 26, 1941, in San Francisco, California, she was the oldest daughter of Fruto Alvarez Ruero and Beatriz Palmarez Ruero (born Woo Ah Lin).

In San Francisco, Benita attended St. Charles Catholic School, Lowell High School, and California State College before marrying Nick St. Amant, her husband of 64 years.

Moving to Maryland in 1973, Benita’s life was notable in that she used her many talents and energy to raise to adulthood seven wonderful children. A devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Benita put her family as her top priority. While the children were still in school, she spent untold hours in volunteer service to their schools and activities. Known for her precise and artistic handwriting, she hand addressed many wedding and other invitations for friends and family. Once the children were all in school, the youngest in second grade, Benita began working as a pre-school teacher at Glyndon United Methodist pre-school, always being at home when the kids came home after school.

She later began a career as a program assistant at Loyola College of Maryland, coordinating classes for certifying (with CEUs) daycare providers and leading many to full-time careers.

Surviving in addition to her loving husband Nick; are five sons, two daughters, 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren:

Robert St. Amant and dear friend, Claudia Salzberg;

Catherine Leutzinger, husband David and their children Eric, Emily and husband Justin Gould, their children Aidan and Arthur; Meredith St. Amant, Kylie Wilson and husband Eric; and Kevin Leutzinger.

Bill St. Amant and wife Julianna Lieu, their children Harriet and Beatrice St. Amant Lieu

Paul St. Amant and wife Kristen, their children: Chiara Duggan and husband Kieran, their children Paul and Luke; Anaïs Kafafian and husband Vatche; Archer and Clark St. Amant.

John (Jack) St. Amant and wife Jennifer, and his son Karsten;

Anne St. Amant and children Oscar Dierker, Leo Valadez and his wife Lesley;

Stephen St. Amant, wife Erin, and their children: Evelyn, Henry and Oliver (Ollie).

Also survived by siblings Angela Dunbar, Teresa Oliver and Peter Ruero.

She was predeceased by daughter-in-law Luellen Brochu, and son-in-law Tom Dierker.

In accordance with her wishes, no formal services will be held. Her remains were donated to the Maryland State Anatomy Board. There will be no formal services.

The family encourages those who knew Benita, if they wish, to honor her memory in their own special ways. Memorial donations may be made to the Caroline Center, 900 Somerset St. Baltimore MD 21202, or the Reisterstown Community Crisis Center, 725 Main St., Reisterstown, MD 21136. Each has on-line donation availability..

A Celebration of Remembrance will be planned for a later date.

Arrangements are by the ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A., Owings Mills, MD.