Blanche May "Betty" Earle

Blanche (Betty) May Earle passed away on September 26th at the home of her daughter, Glenna DiBlasi. She was laid to rest on September 29th at Holly Hill Memorial Gardens in Middle River, Maryland. Betty was born on June 2, 1920 in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. She was one of John and Mabel Whitlock's fifteen children. Married to the late Walter Earle for forty two years, she was a devoted mother to seven children. Over the course of her life, Betty resided in Middle River, Havre De Grace, Bowley's Quarters, Rosedale, and Bel Air.

Betty was predeceased by her husband, Walter Earle, who died on April 4th, 1979. She was also predeceased by eleven siblings: Alice Stymiest, Edward Whitlock, William Whitlock, Alvilda McFerren, John Whitlock, Frances Bovey, Daniel Whitlock, Genevieve Blankenship, Myrtle McKissick, James Whitlock, and Naomi Myers.

Betty is survived by three siblings: Larry Whitlock of Williamsburg, Virginia, Donald Whitlock of Lutz, Florida, and Mabel Earle of Bel Air. She is also survived by seven children: David Earle of Woodbine, Patricia Elliott of Bel Air, Gale Reveley of Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania, Nina Eager of Glen Arm, Daniel Earle of Seattle, Washington, Shannon Earle of Rosedale, and Glenna DiBlasi of Jarrettsville. Betty had six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many adoring friends.

Betty volunteered for a number of years in the maternity ward at Franklin Square Hospital in Essex, but most of her life was dedicated to caring for her family. She was a voracious reader of periodicals and a dedicated writer of letters and cards that were often treasured by their recipients. Betty enjoyed creating artwork and loved gardening. Her gardens were a source of personal pride, beautified her neighborhoods, and were even recognized with awards. Betty's homes were always spotless, filled with an eclectic and beautiful mix of decorations, and were permeated by the fresh smells of soaps, creams, and baked goods. She was a tremendous cook, and her scrumptious soups, spreads, sauces, pot pies, and desserts will be greatly missed.

Betty's desire to care for her family was present to the very end of her life. The combination of her humor, honesty, courage, straight-forwardness, pride, selflessness, and empathetic nature created a one of a kind character. At our future family gatherings, discarded drinks won't disappear quite as quickly, dishes may pile in the sink, and coffee will be on a little bit later, but Mother – Grand mom - Great Mom Mom- Betty will still be present inside every single one of us.