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Imogene Ruth Blanchard, age 88, of Sturgis, passed away Friday June 11, 2010, at Thurston Woods Care Center in Sturgis.
Imogene was born in White Pigeon, Mich., on June 27, 1921, the daughter of William Walter Messner and Mary Rebecca (Freed) Messner.
Imogene married Donald H. Blanchard on May 24, 1941. They had two sons: Donald R. Blanchard (Lydia) of Pine Lake, Mich., and James W. Blanchard (Beth Ann) of Rensselaer, Ind., who survive.
Imogene was the last surviving member of seven brothers and sisters. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald, on Feb. 28, 1981; three brothers, Ora Messner, (Annabelle), Freed Messner (Betty), Ollie Messner (Leona), and three sisters, Fay Shemberger (Loyd), Ellen Todd (Frank), and Dorothy Hamilton (Ed); and one great-granddaughter, Amber Rain Hamilton.
Surviving in addition to her sons are: a sister-in-law, Eleanor (Minor) Tubergen of Kalamazoo; two granddaughters, Emily Blanchard of Denver, Colo., and Jennifer Blanchard, of Waterford, Mich.; one grandson, Sean Blanchard of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and one great-grandson, Storm Hamilton of Waterford, Mich.; and special friend Ruth Wade.
Imogene worked 13 years in the White Pigeon School system. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church in White Pigeon, a past president of the American Legion Auxiliary, a past president of the Mintdale Ladies club, and a life member of the Eastern Star, The Maccabees, and Royal Neighbors clubs.
Imogene enjoyed baking and always had cookies, cakes and pies available for visitors. She loved family gatherings, liked to travel, enjoyed trips to the casino, and entered many contests, always expecting to win. She used her car as a second home, helping others with doctor appointments and some times just for fun.
Visitation will be held at the Farrand Funeral Home, 300 N. Kalamazoo St. in White Pigeon, Tuesday June 14 from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday morning, June 15, at the Presbyterian Church in White Pigeon from 10-11 a.m., with services following at 11 a.m.
Memorials may be given to the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging, or the Presbyterian Church of White Pigeon.
