BLANCHE MAHLUM

January 15, 1917 - March 29, 2011

Blanche Mahlum, 94, was called home to spend eternal life in Heaven on March 29, 2011. She passed away at Canyon Lakes R&R in Kennewick, WA.

Blanche was born in Riverside Township (near Vida, MT) to Osias Gagne and Ernestine Houle Gagne. She had seven siblings. In her teen years, Blanche worked in a general store and cafŽ in Poplar, MT. When she moved to Wolf Point, MT, she began work as a telephone operator. She met her husband, Rodell Mahlum, in Wolf Point and married in June 1936. They had four children: Eldora Smith (Carl) of Bluffton, SC; Larry Mahlum (Nona) of Princeton, MN; Carol Miller (Wayne) of Kennewick, WA; and Diane Macdonald (Gary) of Wolf Point, MT. Rodell and Blanche were married for 62 years.

While Rodell farmed around the Wolf Point area, Blanche worked and managed Rathert Furniture Store for 25 years. She was also active in the women's organization at First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point. She loved to golf and play cards.

Blanche moved to Kennewick, WA, in 1996 where she lived at The Manor at Canyon Lakes and met many wonderful friends. She enjoyed playing bridge, pinochle and hand-and-foot, and was a passionate Seattle Mariners fan.

In addition to her four children, Blanche was blessed with 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Blanche is survived by her four children, her sister Margaret Eggebrecht, her brother-in-law Dennis Mahlum (Darlene), and two sistersin-law Doris Larson and Lee Mahlum.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Rodell Mahlum, three sisters and two brothers.

A service will be held in Wolf Point, MT, on a future date.

Blanche's family would like to deeply thank Canyon Lakes R&R for their loving and compassionate care. We genuinely appreciate your kindness and poise during a difficult time you are angels.