Blanche Howard

Blanche N. Howard was a passionate, strong, caring person who loved her family and her God. She was a gentle woman who gave much of her time and energy to others, especially her family. Those who met Blanche usually walked away with a smile because of her loving humor and kind heart.

The 1920s symbolized an age anxious to enjoy itself, anxious to forget the past, and anxious to ignore the future. The academy award for 1929 was given to “All’s Quiet on the Western Front”, and Ernest Hemingway had just written “A Farewell To Arms”. The widespread prosperity of the 20’s would end abruptly, however, when the Stock Market crashed on October 7, 1929. But on May 26, 1929, in Belding, Michigan, George and Bernice LaRose were not concerned with any of these events. The most important thing in their lives that year was the birth of their first and only child, Blanche.

Blanche spent her childhood in Belding and attended the community grade school. She enrolled in Belding High School, but at the age of sixteen moved to Grand Rapids and began working as a waitress at the Pantlind Hotel. In later years, Blanche would often laugh at how naïve she was during this time. She recalled that on one occasion a man ordered au gratin potatoes. Blanche promptly replied, “Sir, we don’t serve rotten potatoes.”

Hard work was something Blanch understood. After waitressing, she worked at the DesPres Dowel Company, a manufacturing firm that made parts for the furniture industry. Later, she was employed by the Rose Patch Label Company, and finally at Meijers. Here, she worked in the bakery and party store, and eventually retired from this position.

In the 40’s, young people often went to the Bow Tie, a popular nightspot in Sparta, Michigan. Here, they could dance and socialize. One evening, Blanche met a handsome young man named George Howard. Love soon blossomed and the couple was married in 1948 – Blanche was just 18 years old. A year later they started their own family with the arrival of son Michael. In the early 50’s Michael was joined by sisters Bonnie and Karen. Blanche was a wonderful mother who was always willing to help her children as they were growing up. She participated in school functions and was active in PTA groups.

During their marriage, Blanche and George were inseparable. They delighted in each other’s company and did many things together. They enjoyed eating out and playing bingo – “binges” as Blanche called it. Blanche was very “business” smart but not very “street” smart and often used terminology that ended up being very humorous. The couple also ran a concession stand in downtown Grand Rapids. This was a popcorn wagon that remained a downtown landmark for many years. George passed away in 1985, but Blanche continued to operate the “wagon” for a few more years with the help of son, Michael.

After George’s death, Blanche continued a busy life. As often as she could, she would go out to eat and play bingo with friends and family. Unable to drive, she depended on others for transportation, usually her daughter Karen, with whom she had made her home. George had been a veteran of World War II and had instilled a very patriotic spirit in Blanche. She would always fly the American flag and would often wear her “flag” sweatshirt. This had a picture of the stars and stripes on the front and she considered it good luck.

Blanche loved to laugh and make others laugh. She was still a “kid” at heart and this past Halloween dressed up as Phyllis Diller and went out trick or treating.

A strong faith was an important part of Blanche’s life. She was a long time member of St. George Orthodox Church. Although not always active in the church, she was assured that even her illness was a part of God’s plan for her life.

Blanche N. Howard, aged 74 of Grand Rapids, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2003. She has joined her husband George Howard, who preceded her in death in 1985. Surviving are her children: Michael and Pat Howard, Bonnie and Ross Parker, Karen Howard; her grandchildren: Mike Hutting, Cody Parker, Josh LeBaron, Tina and Jeff Lowery; her great grandchildren Jada and Dalton; sisters-in-law Mae Ritz, Nellie Howard, and her brother-in-law Chuck Vidro; her aunt Lillian Blanding; nieces, nephews, cousins, and special companion Puffy.

Mrs. Howard reposes at Van Strien-Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE, where relatives and friends may meet her family Wednesday, September 17, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A funeral service will be held Thursday September 18 at 11 AM at the Van Strien-Creston Chapel with the Very Rev. John Estephan and the Rev. Mark Maymon officiating. Interment will be in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. To read Blanche’s complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to St. George Orthodox Church, please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com. Heritage Funeral Service, Life Story Funeral Homes.

Blanche was loved by all who knew her and is now an angel.