Blanche Emily Ann Richards was born on her mother’s and brother’s birthday in a farmhouse outside of West Point , Nebraska to Anders & Anna Johnson. She was the youngest of 5 siblings. She attended school in a one room school house until the age of 12.She then went to high school in Lyons, Nebraska where she graduated at the tender age of 16.
She moved to Omaha, Nebraska and lived in a rooming house3 where she met her husband. She worked as a secretary at Mutual of Omaha. She married Robert B. Richards on March 8, 1944 at Salem Covenant Church in Oakland, Nebraska. For the early part of their marriage she lived with his parents and then in military housing while her husband recovered from injuries sustained in WW II. They had two daughters, JoAnn and Roberta Joy and eventually settled in Iowa.
Blanche worked many jobs including Mutual of Omaha, IRS, and an architectural firm .
Blanche’s life revolved around family and church. She volunteered in many capacities at church including starting Marriage Encounter with her husband, compiling the church bulletins, Women’s Ministry, Bible Study, etc. She was a breast cancer survivor and volunteered for 10 years with the “Reach to Recovery” program for the American Cancer Society.
Her and her husband’s passion to evangelize about our Lord eventually led them to the Salvation Army preforming Christian Magic and Ventriloquism for children across America.
Blanche had many talents. She wrote all the programs and dialogue for the Salvation Army shows. She was a gifted writer, artist, and quilter just to name a few. She received an Associates of Art Degree while in her 60s.
Blanche was preceded in death by her parents , husband, siblings, daughter(Roberta Joy, 2 nieces and 2 nephews.
She is survived by her daughter JoAnn Henderson, her son-in-law Dennis Henderson, her grandchildren: Michelle Rittenhouse, Matthew Henderson, Heather McCreery and Kristofor Hayward. She is also survived by 5 great grandchildren ,many loved nieces and nephews and scores of Great nieces and nephews and a few great great nieces and nephews.
Service
Celebration of Life
Woodlawn Memorial Park
400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd Gotha 34734
14:00:00
Inurnment
Salem Covenant Church
290 County Road I Oakland 68045
Michelle Rittenhouse says
Dorothy Ludtke says
What good memories we all have of Bob and Blanche. They lived a good Christian life and blessed many with their presence
Jan Moody says
Blanche was one of my Mother’s life long/best friends. When my Mom passed in January 2013, I started conversing with Blanche over email. What a blessing she was to me, it was if somehow I had a little piece of my Mom. She was so loving and always encouraged me. I always felt like Blanche was a gift from God for me, to help me as I grieved the loss of my own Mother. May God receive all the glory for the wonderful life that Blanche lived on this earth. She was definitely a big blessing to me. I am sending much love to the family. Jan
Judy Braunbeck says
Erma Garling, Glendale, AZ says
Erma Garling says
My deepest condolences to the family of Blanche Richards. Blanche was a friend indeed. The kind you always wish to have. Her Christian knowledge and kindness kept us all intact. Our fun days were going out to eat, visiting friends and the library. On Sunday she always greeted everyone with that glorious smile. Ready to listen to more about God. We will miss Blanche but know she is happy to be with God. Blessings to all who had the fortune of knowing her. Erma Garling, Glendale, AZ -GFUMC
Sharon Elaine says
I was so sorry to hear about Blanche. My deepest condolences to her family. It is so hard to say goodbye to someone so loved; so we will not say goodbye, just ‘see you later’. And until we say hello again, may every loving memory be like the warming rays of sun which help to bring some comfort from your pain and sorrow. May the promise of the resurrection to life everlasting give you hope and peace that is beyond all understanding. Heartfelt prayers are with you. John 11:23-26; Revelation 21:3,4.
Shelley Mosley says
When our friend, Marian Rufibach, died, Blanche wrote: Though it is a great loss to me, Im grateful for the years God lent Marian to me and that she is now pain-free, enjoying a new beginning in Heaven with God! My friend, Blanche, has gone to be with the Maker she loved so much, and I find these same sentiments ring true for me. Blanches death is a great loss for all of us. She was a remarkable, loving, talented woman. Im grateful for the years God lent Blanche to me. Now she is pain-free, enjoying her new beginning in Heaven with God. However, I dont think Blanche is resting in peace. I think shes enjoying the sights of Heaven with eyes that can see; hearing the sound of the angelic choir as she joins them in praise with ears that hear; dancing and running as shes reunited with her beloved husband, family, and friends and writing all about it for those who join her later.
Shelley Mosley says
Sally Dorrell says
Sally Dorrell says
My condolences to the Blanche Richards family. I first met Blanche at a Christian Womens Club meeting and then I later learned she went to First UMC, Glendale and I saw her many times there. She was a delight to be around and I immediately felt very close to her. She will be missed.