Betty Hutter Blankenship

Elizabeth Malcolm Hutter Blankenship, better known as “Betty Mac” or simply “Betty,” age 76, died at Lynchburg General Hospital on February 26, 2025. 

She was predeceased by her parents, Leola Carter Hutter and Malcolm Hutter; her sister, Ann Carter Hutter; her beloved husband, H. McChord “Mac” Blankenship; and her canine companions, Lilly and Ruby Jane.

Born at Virginia Baptist Hospital in Lynchburg, Betty Mac attended Garland Rodes and was a 1967 graduate of E.C. Glass High School. She attended Ferrum College and cosmetology school and later earned her Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from CVCC. During her career, she worked as a beautician in her younger years and for C.S. Hutter Company later in life. She also provided childcare and elderly care and enjoyed buying and selling hot finds on eBay from local and online yard sales. She was an accomplished seamstress and made many of her own clothes, as well as her daughter’s baby clothes and costumes.

Betty Mac never knew a stranger and would easily strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone, often talking about sports or huskies. She was a die hard Wahoo and an avid Steelers fan and followed the games faithfully. She considered herself to be somewhat of a daredevil, and once she snuck into a Metallica concert. She was a free spirit and loved being by the water, especially Gwynn’s Island and Virginia Beach, where she once spent a wild summer in her younger years. She also loved the mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway, particularly Thunder Ridge, and she loved to travel to new places. Betty Mac’s hobbies over the years included shooting pool at the Cavalier, bowling, knitting, and being a member of the Roanoke Valley Corvair Club. She especially loved huskies and black cats and enjoyed her many canine and feline companions. 

Betty Mac was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. She had a heart of gold and would have given away the shirt off her back. She was always willing to help a friend who was down and out, even when her own resources were limited. Betty Mac easily connected with and loved many young people like her own children, including Henry, Michael, Bill, Reese, Jake, Ben, and Nick. She often looked for opportunities to give back to the community, including sponsoring children from the Angel Tree or donating to charity. Once, when living in Charlotte in the 1980s, she spotted an older woman walking at night with her belongings in her arms; Betty Mac didn’t think twice before stopping and giving her a ride to her destination to ensure she made it safely.

Betty Mac is survived by her daughter, Ann Barbour Iñiguez and two grandchildren, Yesenia Iñiguez and Valentin Iñiguez. Also surviving is her companion of more than 20 years, Harold "Dilly" Jennings. She also leaves behind several cousins, dear friends, and a large online community.

A celebration of Betty Mac’s life will be held on Sunday, March 2 at 2:00 P.M. at the chapel of Tharp Funeral Home, 220 Breezewood Drive in Lynchburg. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the ceremony.

Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Lynchburg Humane Society. 

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.