Betty Blanken

Betty Ann (Collins) Blanken, beloved mother, grandma and great grandma passed away on November 3 at the age of 89.

Born September 21, 1937, in Kenvir, Kentucky, second child of William and Margaret Collins. She grew up as a “coal miner’s daughter” who lost her father in a mining accident when she was 10. She was one of five children raised by a single mom. She loved damming up the creek, getting her hands dirty, and finding a little mischief along the way. Her stubborn, playful spirit never left her, and she was always game for little foolishness and a good laugh.

When Betty met Don Blanken in high school, her mischievous sparkle found its match in his more serious nature. They balanced each other in their own special way. The two married on Don’s first leave from the Navy, in her senior year of high school on November 12, 1955. After the Navy, they moved from Norfolk, Virginia to Norwood, then Blue Ash, Ohio where they lived for 16 years. She loved gatherings with family and friends there, so the move in 1976 to North Carolina was difficult because family was far away. But she did it, and loved the place she and Don made into a welcoming and fun home.

Betty was a devoted mother and grandmother, always being present for games, recitals, plays and even field trips, sometimes picking up sick kids from school, too. Her family ALWAYS knew she loved them with all she had.

A woman of grit, Betty had a playful spirit and a love for life’s simple pleasures such as playing cards and doing puzzles. Her sweet tooth made her “a natural” at candy making and she was especially known for her peanut butter fudge, a favorite among family and friends.

Betty had a green thumb and took great pride in her yard, tending to her flowers with the same devotion she gave to watching her grandchildren---who may or may not have picked a few of those flowers along the way. Cutting the grass was one of her favorite summer activity’s and something she reluctantly gave up…at 87, sort of.

She loved to fish and take the grandchildren on picnics to fish at the pond. Somewhere along the way she went from catching fish to making friends with them. She would save scraps from meals and take the leftovers to the pond to feed the fish.

In her later years she found strength in God, reading her Bible, and praying. She got baptized and enjoyed the fellowship of the church and supporting ministries to children.

A couple of years ago Betty was asked, “How do you want to be remembered?” Her answer was, “For smiling and being friendly with everybody and never meeting a stranger. I want people to remember me just as being a good person and loving all my relatives.”

We will remember that when she got tickled, she was truly tickled, laughing until the tears ran down her cheeks. Her laughter was as genuine as the love she had for each of us.

She is survived by her daughter, Rene (Bryan) Hamilton; grandchildren, Levi (Kelli), Eli (Leloni) and Cassie (Benjamin); great grandchildren, Donovan, Tessa, Dominic and Dhara; sister Mrs. Donna Madden, brother Roger (Maureen) Collins, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donnie Lee Blanken, son, Michael Lee; parents William and Margaret Collins; sisters Jean Edwards and Jackie Sego; nieces Deana Blanken and nephews Duane Blanken, Mitchell Edwards and Billy Blanken.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm on Monday, November 9, 2026 at McClure Funeral Service in Mebane.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Monday from 1pm-2pm.  Burial will follow in Lebanon United Methodist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like, there are two places Betty supported faithfully: Disabled American Veterans, or any organization for our veterans. New Heart Church of the Nazarene, 3603 NC-86 S, Hillsborough, NC 27278. The family will be purchasing oil burning candles for the communion table in Betty’s memory, feel free to contribute to that.