MARGARETVILLE - Betty Mae Utter, 86, 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 all 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 and 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 from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, March 25, at Hynes Funeral Home, 48 Walnut St., Margaretville.

Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 26, at the Advent Christian Church, 109 Maple St., Margaretville, with interment to follow in New Kingston Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Betty's name may be made to the Advent Christian Church, P.O. Box 545, Margaretville, NY 12455, Old Stone Schoolhouse, c/o Ken Taylor, 1518 Bull Run Road, Margaretville, NY 12455, or Margaretville Memorial Hospital Ambulance, c/o Patrice Delameter, 42084 State Highway 28, Margaretville, NY 12455.