Blanche Grace McCartney

Blanche Grace (Helmick) McCartney, age 99, formerly of 55 Marion Street, Buckhannon, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Serenity Assisted Living where she had resided for the past several years. She was born on December 26, 1926, in Pickens, WV, a daughter of the late Alvin Grant and Emma Ethel (Cutlip) Helmick. She resided in Pickens until her husband Glen entered military service at which time she moved to Baltimore where she was employed at an airplane parts assembly plant during the war. In 1946, she and Glen settled back in Pickens and hence onto Buckhannon, where they established permanent residence. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death on January 12, 2015, by her husband Glen Doran McCartney to whom she was wed September 14, 1942; in 1952 by an infant daughter Gloria Jean McCartney; one brother; and eight sisters. Surviving are three sons and their wives: Larry and Nancy (Patti) McCartney of Buckhannon, Ronald and Nita McCartney of Crossville, TN, and Thomas and Nancy McCartney of Jane Lew; 6 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 31 great-great grandchildren; and one great-great-great grandchild.

Mrs. McCartney was a former member of the West Buckhannon Methodist Church where she was an active choir member. She was an avid gardener, an accomplished cook, fervent housekeeper, and a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She earned Dad's extensive appreciation for her unceasing kindness and caretaking. She is now with our Almighty God and those family members and many friends who she valued and loved so much.

The family extends sincere thanks to the Serenity Assisted Living staff and hospice services for their kindness and superb care during Mrs. McCartney's residence.

The family will receive friends at the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, at which time a funeral service will begin with Pastor Jim Minutelli officiating. Interment will follow in the Hampton Cemetery.