Betty Mae Utter

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Betty Mae Utter, 86, of Margaretville, departed her loving family on March 14, 2022 in Kingston.

Betty was born in Margaretville on Aug. 2, 1935 to Eldon and Nettie Close. Betty and her husband Leonard owned and operated “Mill-Vale Farm” in the Millbrook Valley for 60 years before retiring. Betty enjoyed taking care of the family farm animals, especially the calves. She loved animals, including cats Tom Tom, Dandelion, Fluffy and Patches, and dogs Tipper, Flo, Midnite, Patches and Cooper.

Although she didn’t pursue it professionally, Betty had a talent and passion for art, especially drawing. Her granddaughter Amber fondly remembers the drawings on the back of envelopes and in the letters written to her, growing up. Betty enjoyed watching movies - especially westerns, spending time with her family and researching and studying her family tree.

She was a member of the Town of Middletown Historical Society, and Old Stone Schoolhouse in Margaretville. She was also secretary for the annual fall “Arena Day” at the Arena Fire Station on Millbrook Road and president of the Close/Ackerly reunions.

Betty was predeceased by her parents, sisters Janet Weaver, Dorothy “Dot” Truesdell and Catherine Davis, and brother Garry Close. 

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Leonard; daughters Christine Utter of Margaretville, Darsie (Michael) Sarubbi of Margaretville, granddaughter Amber (Ken) VanDuzer of Rochester, brother Gilbert (Sue) Close of Downsville, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends Friday, March 25 from 4-7 at Hynes Funeral Home, 48 Walnut Street, Margaretville. Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 26 at the Advent Christian Church, 109 Maple Street, Margaretville, with interment to follow at the New Kingston Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Betty’s name can be made to the Advent Christian Church, PO Box 545, Margaretville NY 12455 or Old Stone School House, c/o Ken Taylor, 1518 Bull Run Road, Margaretville, NY 12455 or Arena Fire Department, 2411 Millbrook Road, Margaretville, NY 12455.