Elenore Lillian Blanchard

1927 - 2025

Elenore Lillian Blanchard
Chase, Michigan
04/28/1927 - 09/07/2025
Elenore Lillian Blanchard, of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, at the age of 98.
She was born on April 28, 1927, and graduated from Reed City High School. On October 20, 1946, she married the love of her life, Allen Leroy Blanchard. They shared 61 years of marriage until Allen's passing on May 22, 2007. Together, they raised two daughters, Elenore "Sue" Blanchard and Mary Ellen Tiel.
She worked briefly at the milk company in Reed City before dedicating herself to her family and home as a full-time homemaker. She loved gardening, raising vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Her kitchen was always filled with the smell of freshly baked bread and homemade donuts. She kept a cellar stocked with jams, jellies, and canned fruits and vegetables, which her family cherished.
She and Allen also operated a thriving beekeeping business for over 50 years, a tradition that began with her father, who had served as a bee inspector for the State of Michigan. Together, they harvested honey and shared its sweetness with the community.
A woman of deep faith, Elenore was a longtime member of the Chase-Barton United Methodist Church. She faithfully cared for the church building and played piano for services until she "retired" at the remarkable age of 94. She cherished her church family, joyfully helped with Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and always looked forward to Sunday banquets after worship.
Elenore lived simply, yet richly. She loved hanging laundry on the clothesline, sewing at her machine, and filling her home with hymns played on the piano. Above all, she loved her family. She was known for her hugs and kisses, her handmade quilts and treasures, and the way she delighted in time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She could often be found baking cookies, building treehouses, playing board games, or simply sitting with a child in her lap.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Allen Leroy Blanchard, and daughter, Elenore "Sue" Blanchard. She is survived by her daughter, Mary (Bob) Tiel; her grandchildren, Robert (Kathy) Tiel, Tracy (Rodney) Tiel-Blackford, and Jason (Adriane) Tiel; her great-grandchildren; her great-great-grandchildren; and one more great-great-grandchild soon to be welcomed into the family.
Elenore was a kind and selfless woman who dedicated her life to her family, her church, and her community. Her faith and love will live on in the countless lives she touched. Her family takes comfort in knowing that, as she entered heaven, she was welcomed with open arms and the words: "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Funeral services will take place at 11:00 A.M. Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Chase-Barton United Methodist Church located at 6957 S. Depot Street, Chase, MI 49623. Burial at the Chase Twp. Cemetery will follow services. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 A.M.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Chase-Barton United Methodist Church.