Mary Susan Blankenship

Mary Susan (Pritt) Blankenship, age 80, of Warm Springs, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2025 at her home and surrounded by family.

She was born September 1, 1945 in Warm Springs, a daughter of the late Harry Edwin and Elizabeth Grey (Shaffier) Pritt.

A decades-long fixture within the Bath County Court House, Mary Susan served over 42 years within the county Treasurer’s Office, with her employment beginning in 1969. Ultimately, she was elected as Treasurer in 1988 and would serve in that capacity for 24 years, until her retirement in 2011. Mary always considered it a privilege to be able to serve as Treasurer, and truly appreciated the kindness and support offered to her for so many years.

In addition to her commitment as Treasurer, she was equally invested in the welfare of Bath County and community service. Most close to her heart was the Bath County Committee for Emergencies—which she helped found in 1994—and which has helped countless recipients throughout Bath County during times of need over the decades. Mary was also instrumental in lobbying for the creation of a nursing facility in Bath County. She served on both the Nursing Home Exploratory Committee and Bath County Retirement Home Commission, those efforts partly resulting in the completion of The Springs Nursing Center. Within the community she also served as Treasurer and Past-President of the Bath County Business and Professional Women's Organization, Chairperson of the Bath-Highland Disability Services Board, Director of the Bath County Chamber of Commerce, member of the Bath County Historical Society, Treasurer of the Rose Kincaid Fund, Bath County Senior Center Committee, and enjoyed volunteering as a substitute driver for Meals on Wheels. Her additional memberships included the Virginia Treasurers Association, Virginia Association of Counties, Order of the Eastern Star, as well as being member and Director of the local Salvation Army.

Following retirement Mary Susan resolved to life focused on God, family, and farming. Throughout the years, Mary attended many church congregations, most recently holding membership with Hot Springs Baptist Church. On their Whip-Poor-Will Hollow Farm, Mary and her late husband, Richard, raised cattle, spent countless hours gardening, and sold vegetables locally. And, although Mary did step back from public service during this time, she remained a driving force within the Bath County Committee for Emergencies until her passing – reflecting all the finest qualities of a Christian and public servant.

In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Richard Blankenship, predeceased family members include her sister, Bertha (Pritt) Hise and husband, Howard S. Hise; and an infant brother, Harry Edwin Pritt Jr.

Surviving family members include a sister-in-law, Drema Mines of Macon, GA; as well as a number of nieces and nephews, including Charles “Moe” Hise and partner, Stacy Sexton of Warm Springs, who served as caregivers to Mary over the past several years.

In accordance with Mary Susan’s wishes, her body was cremated and a service to commemorate her life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Bath County Committee for Emergencies, PO Box 202, Warm Springs, VA 24484.