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Blanche P. (Routsong) Holtz, age 95, of Sturgis, Mich., passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at Thurston Woods Village.
She was born Sept. 28, 1913, in LaGrange, Ind., a daughter of the late Ira and Cora (Helmer) Routsong.
Blanche’s childhood was spent in LaGrange, where she graduated from LaGrange High School with the class of 1932. She moved to Sturgis during her early 20s and worked at several manufacturing jobs.
On New Year’s Eve 1938, she met Raymond A. Holtz. They were united in marriage on Sept. 23, 1939, in Middlebury, Ind., by Rev. Charles Goering. He preceded her in death in Sept. 2004.
Blanche had been employed at Freeman Mfg. and later retired from Sears & Roebuck Catalog Store in Sturgis. She and Raymond enjoyed traveling with their son Ray and spending time with their grandchildren. One of her great joys was cooking and baking for her family.
She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for over 50 years and was active in the Ladies Lutheran Aid.
Surviving are her children, Raymond E. Holtz of Lansing, Terry (Denise) Holtz of Sturgis, and Shirley (Lee) Taylor of Sturgis; eight grandchildren, Cassandra (Dominic) Ferguson of Sturgis, Reid (Rachael) Holtz of Cassopolis, Kara (Andy) Murray of Arlington Heights, Ill., Zachary Taylor, Sean Holtz, Vincent Holtz, Shayna Taylor, and Rayanne (Chris) Walter all of Sturgis; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Raymond; a son, Gary Holtz in 2005; a great-granddaughter, Terrie Ann Holtz; three brothers; and four sisters.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 6-8 p.m. Friday at The Hackman Family Funeral Homes, Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis, MI 49091.
Religious Services celebrating the life of Blanche P. Holtz will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 406 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis, with the Rev. Michael Klafehn and the Rev. Calvin Kolzow, officiating. Graveside services will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial donations be directed to the Trinity Lutheran Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
