"I remember Betty, her Mother, and Grandmother from Salem Welsh Church and other relatives. I remember going to Kirksville with her about 1960 or so. She invited me to go with her to Kirksville to visit our mutual cousin, Mary Martha Griffith. She was a cousin to both of us on different sides. Mary Martha had just started college there. It was a fun weekend and I appreciated being with Betty and enjoying her humor, etc. My thoughts are with you all. Cheryl Rees Michaelsen - Texas"
In loving memory of
Betty Lou Blythe
March 14, 1939 - October 24, 2019
Williamsburg-Betty Lou Griffith Blythe was born in rural Louisa County on March 14, 1939 to Margaret Griffith. Betty attended Crawfordsville schools and graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1956. She received her beautician training from Burlington Beauty Academy in Burlington in 1957. She was employed by a beauty salon in Iowa City from 1957 to May 1959. She owned and operated Betty's Beauty Box in Mechanicsville from May 1959 to Aug 1961. On September 17, 1961 she was married to Samuel Mervin Blythe in the Salem Welsh Presbyterian Church in rural Louisa County. Since then they have lived on their farm south of Williamsburg. By transfer of membership from the Salem Welsh Presbyterian Church, Betty became a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Williamsburg. She was a Deacon, taught Sunday School and held many offices in the Presbyterian Women's Organization. She was active for many years in 4-H as a club leader, Home Ec. department superintendent, on the Fair Board and member of the Financial Committee. She was also a member of P.E.O. and held most of the offices in her local chapter. Mervin and Betty spent many winters in their home at Bentsen Grove Resort in Mission, Texas surrounded by many wonderful friends and their dogs.
Betty passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 24, 2019 at the Highland Ridge Care Center at the age of 80 years.
Her family gave her the most pride and joy in life and left to survive are her husband of 58 years, Mervin; her children and grandchildren, Douglas (Michelle) Blythe of Williamsburg, their children Hayley (special friend Kendall), Bryson and Brandon; Donna (Jim) Butler of Champaign, IL and their children Danielle (fiancé Scott Pantier), Kaitlyn and Sam; Mindi (Tyler) Rees of Washington and their children Allison, Bailey and Blaine. She is also survived by an uncle, niece, nephews, and several cousins who filled her childhood years with fun.
Celebration of Life Service will be 10:30 am on Monday, October 28, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Williamsburg Presbyterian Church children's ministries. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Tributes
"Betty was a kind and intelligent lady. Peace and blessings to the entire family. Karin Winwood"
"Merv, Jim and I remember all the trips to the DQ. They put a smile on our face. You and your family are in our prayers."
"We send condolences to Merv and all of Betty?s family. Bette was a wonderful person and we enjoyed visiting with her many times and we will miss her down in Bentsen Grove. Always remember the time she Continued to complement me on my palm frond Rudolph reindeer creations. She was so delightful! We just loved her!"
"Betty was a very kind and caring lady. Will miss our visits on their porch at Bentsen Grove. Ewok will also miss coming to see Betty and Merv. Our thoughts and prayers are with Merv and family. Ethel & Bev Skulmoski"
"My deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time of your loss. May the Lord give you Peace. ? "
"We are so sorry to hear of Betty?s passing. Betty will be missed at Bentsen Grove - she was a warm and caring person. Our prayers to Merv and family and to cherish all the beautiful memories of Betty."
"So sorry to hear of Betty passing. She was such a beautiful lady. We will miss seeing her in Texas. Scott and Bonnie Rothrock "
"Betty was a very kind lady. I remember going to her wedding to Merv. Your family is in my prayers. Margaret Watkins Fett"
"Such a nice lady. Always enjoyed her friendship. So sorry to read her obituary."
"Betty was a friendly person at Bentsen Grove and always had time to talk with you. Seen them once in Branson and had lunch with them. She will be missed by many. Roger and I sens prayers to you Merv and the whole family. "
"Merv and Betty were special friends to us. We met at Bentsen Grove Resort many years ago. Betty was a sweet lady who will be missed. Prayers for Merv and the family. "
"Ron and I met Merv & Betty were our neighbors at Bentsen Grove Resort in Tx. We always enjoyed their visits. A very sweet couple. Praying for Merv and family."