Betty Van Blanchard

GRAHAM - Betty Van Ward Blanchard, 81, of 413 Jones Street, died Monday, July 14, 2014, at Alamance Regional Medical Center. She was a native of Orange County, retired from AT&T and was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Graham. She was a Past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, enjoyed going to the YMCA, an avid bridge player and enjoyed participating in many other senior activities. She was preceded in death by her parents, Weldon and Thelma Cates Ward and her husband, Samuel A. Blanchard. She is survived by her daughter, Michele Ray and husband Jeff of Burlington; son, Samuel A. "Sam" Blanchard III and wife Sherry of Gilbertsville, Pa.; grandchildren, Bryan Ray of Greensboro and Megan Ray and fiancé Timmy Simpson of Burlington; great-grandchildren, Larissa and Allie Simpson. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Friday at the First United Methodist Church in Graham conducted by the Rev. Kevin Baker. The family will receive friends at the church from 1 to 2 p.m. before the service and at other times at her residence. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Graham, 303 North Main Street, Graham, NC 27253. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcclurefuneralservice.net