All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Blanche Grace (Helmick) 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.

Online condolences may be extended to the McCartney family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. The McCartney family entrusted the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel with the arrangements.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Annette Reel

Annette Reel, 67, of Hurricane, WV, an FBI analyst and Christian Fellowship Church member, died January 18, 2026; she is survived by two children, five grandchildren, four siblings, and will be cremated with a later celebration of life.

Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board Agenda: January 22, 2026

The Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board will meet January 22, 2026; this agenda outlines items to be considered at that session.

City of Buckhannon calendar for the week of January 19, 2026

Buckhannon’s week of Jan. 19 includes MLK Day closures (waste collection still on schedule), curbside recycling pickup Tuesday at 6 a.m., and a Consolidated Public Works meeting Thursday with in-person and virtual options.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists middle and high school basketball, wrestling, and college matchups for Jan. 19–25, highlighted by multiple Buckhannon-Upshur and West Virginia Wesleyan contests.

Basketball ‘Cats gain first win off the year as they beat West Virginia State, 97-91

West Virginia Wesleyan earned its first win of the season, defeating West Virginia State 97-91 behind Jerell Jean-Baptiste’s 32 points, hot three-point shooting, and a 30-of-37 performance from the free-throw line.

Wesleyan women use strong second half to pull away from Yellow Jackets for 86-67 win

Wesleyan erupted for 33 third-quarter points and shot 55.2 percent overall to defeat West Virginia State 86–67, led by Emma Witt’s 31 points, as the Lady Bobcats improved to 8–4 (6–3 MEC).

Buckhannon honors 99-year-old Rosie the Riveter with key to the city

Buckhannon honored 99-year-old Neva Lee Reed Snyder, a WWII Rosie the Riveter who helped keep American aircraft flying, with the city’s highest honor: the key to the city. Unable to attend, family accepted as Mayor Robbie Skinner praised her courage, patriotism and legacy.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Olivia Blonn and Xavier Robinette

Olivia Blonn and Xavier Robinette have been named Hank Ellis All-Stars for their outstanding performances in wrestling and basketball.

Upshur County recovers $300,000 in taxes as delinquent property owners beat deadline

Upshur County officials say most delinquent 2024 property tax accounts were paid before the Nov. 1 deadline. Chief Tax Deputy Heather Sparks outlined what was redeemed and how taxpayers can still reclaim property through the State Auditor’s Office.

Westfall reaches 1,000-point milestone as Bucs roll past Wheeling Park, 67-57

Senior Jerin Westfall scored a game-high 34 points, reached the 1,000-point career mark, and hauled in 15 rebounds as Buckhannon-Upshur defeated Wheeling Park 67-57.

Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones crowned 2026 WV Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen

Wesleyan nursing student and 2025 Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones was crowned the 2026 West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen on Jan. 10 in Charleston. She’ll serve as the statewide ambassador for fairs and festivals throughout 2026.

Skinner delivers hopeful State of the City on Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary

Mayor Robbie Skinner marked Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary with an optimistic State of the City address highlighting progress across city departments. He emphasized major infrastructure work, including a $47 million water treatment project, and looked ahead to continued improvements and the 84th WV Strawberry Festival.