Elizabeth (Betsy) Williams Blythe

March 16, 1947 - December 11, 2021

Elizabeth (Betsy) Williams Blythe died on December 11, 2021 at her home in Blacksburg, Virginia, after a long illness. She was born in Akron, Ohio on March 16, 1947, and graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1968. She was a career computer systems professional, employed by the Department of Navy from 1968 to 1977, and continuing at Virginia Tech beginning in 1977. She was a pioneer in the development of the data warehousing concept in information systems. She retired from Virginia Tech in 2010 as Director, General Enterprise Systems. She loved her family and friends, and cherished her dogs. She was an avid photographer and crafts artist, and enjoyed socializing. She was passionate about Virginia Tech basketball and helped organize support groups for the women’s and men’s teams. Betsy is survived by her husband of 51 years, Erv Blythe, her brother, Harry Williams, her daughter, Melissa, her son, Harrison, and their spouses, and her grandchildren, Luca, Antonin, Samuel, and Gillian. In keeping with her family tradition and her preference, there will be a celebration of Betsy’s life at a later date.