Blanche Kathleen Ingle, 68, of Hampton, Virginia died at home surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great loves and beloved friends on April 1st, 2026—at date befitting a woman known for her humor, quick wit and everlasting warmth. When she wasn’t calling her sisters, doing the funky chicken, or pushing candy, sweet treats, and snacks on the people she loved, Blanche was building a community. Mother of five, but “Mom” to countless “adopted” children—she made every person who walked into her life feel loved, cared for, and important.

Whether you grew up with “Babydoll” in Elkton, Maryland or you worked with “Blanche” at Hampton High School and Davis Middle School; whether she did your taxes for nearly 40 years at a business she started herself; or whether you called her “Mom, “Sister” or “Nanny”—the minute you were in Blanche’s orbit, you were family. The crowded tables at her home, lovingly dubbed “The Nuthouse,” are a testament to that—and to Mom’s crazy good cooking.

Blanche’s gift was creating the kind of love, compassion and humor that will be felt—and missed—for decades. That is true generational wealth. That is the bar she set for her family and her friends.

She is survived by her sisters and brothers: Mary McCullough, Gary Bishop, Sandy Sayler and Billy Bishop; her five children: Kathy Hankins, Amanda Parra, Charles Ingle, Mary Toves and Moneka Toves; her six grandchildren: Austin Ingle, Maria Cifuentes, Gabriel Hankins, Victor Cifuentes, Olivia Hankins, and Lynden Daniels; her partner and friend: Gary Ingle; and all of the people who love all of them.

Heaven exists for people like Mom. We hope she is reunited there with all of the people she loved—but especially her Dolly girl, who is, no doubt, wagging her little tail on that rainbow bridge.

A private funeral will be held at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in Hampton, Virginia.