Ruth Emma Cooper Blanche Obituary (1916 - 2016)

MANCHESTER- Ruth Emma (Cooper) Blanche, “Grammy Blanche”, of Manchester died Wednesday, December 28, 2016, with her loving family by her side, at the home of her son, James Blanche. Ruth was born in Somerville on August 16, 1916 the daughter of Willard and Lura Cooper of Chelsea. She attended Somerville schools and obtained her diploma from Cony High School. Later she attended nursing school at Augusta General Hospital. She also worked for, and retired from, the Department of Motor Vehicle in Augusta. Ruth married Theodore Blanche on January 27, 1940. For over 76 years Ruth was the most amazing mother, dedicating her life to taking care of her family. She was a homemaker and dedicated wife, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother! She was always quick to offer a baked good, a gentle smile and welcoming hug to all who graced her door. One of her most treasured activities was constructing puzzles (up to 5000 pieces), which were often found on her dining room table for all to enjoy with her. Her love of all things newsworthy also brought her to working the daily crossword puzzle in the newspaper (often with her dog eared dictionary by her side). Ruth’s love of travel brought her to many destinations close and far (including California, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania’s Amish Country, Florida, Lubec, and many parts of Maine). While Ruth didn’t realize her lifelong dream of a visit to Alaska, we are sure this was the first stop on her present journey. Ruth was a valued member of the North Manchester Meeting House attending Sunday service well into her late 90’s. She was predeceased by her husband, Theodore Blanche, Sr.; sons Glenwood Blanche and Willard Blanche, Sr.; daughter Arlene Lebel; brothers Delbert and Glenwood Cooper; sisters Cassie Mahoney and Viola and Esther Cooper; as well as grandson James Thomas Blanche of Minnesota, great grandson Luke Hopkins, and great-great Granddaughter Olivia Norwood. Ruth was deeply loved by all who met her in her 100 years on this earth. She will be sadly missed by her sons Theodore Blanche and husband, Neal Flynn and James Blanche Sr. and wife, Barbara; and daughter in-law Harriet Blanche. Ruth was also blessed with 14 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. Special recognition of her caregivers that devoted themselves to Ruth’s daily care, meals, and many other aspects of her daily life were Jennifer Ruth Kelley, Harriet Blanche and Barbara Blanche. Their dedication and compassion allowed Ruth to live independently throughout her life. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the care and compassion provided by the MaineGeneral Home Care & Hospice Program, especially her nurse Jean Jennings, nurse Jenny and social worker, Hope, of VNA Home Health-Hospice of South Portland, Winthrop Family Medicine, and Christine Fletcher for their dedication to making it possible for Ruth to remain in her own home throughout her 100 years! Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. with a celebration of her life following at 11:00 a.m. at Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, one Church Street, Augusta with the Rev. Stan Moody officiating. All are invited to a gathering at the Manchester Lions Club. A committal service will be held in the spring at North Manchester Meeting House Cemetery at a date and time to be announced. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to North Manchester Meeting House Association, c/o Carol Dudley, 285 Scribner Hill Rd, Manchester, ME 04351 or to Manchester Grange, c/o Stephanie Daggett Nichols, Arlene Lebel Scholarship, P.O. Box 5, Manchester, ME 04351, or to Manchester Lions Club, Willard Roy Blanche, Sr. Scholarship, P.O. Box 1, Manchester, ME 04351. Memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com