Blanche Joy Engellant

Blanche Joy Engellant passed away Monday, September 16, 2024, five days after celebrating her 98th birthday. Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the Geraldine Community Church with burial at the Geraldine Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to the Geraldine Community Church, The Geraldine Vets Club or to a charity of the donor's choice. Please visit Blanche's online memorial page to send a card or leave a message of condolence for her family at www.bentonfh.com.
Blanche was born September 11, 1926, at her parents' home, Fred and Iza Blyth in Geraldine, Montana. She was raised and educated in Geraldine graduating from High School in 1944. On March 7, 1945, Blanche married her high school sweetheart Francis Engellant while he was home on leave from the military. They moved to Denver, Colorado where Francis was stationed and she worked inspecting bomb fuses, which gave her the nickname "Rosie The Riveter". After her husband was honorably discharged the couple returned to their hometown of Geraldine where they started farming and began their family, having five children: Laura, Edward, Donald, Rick, and Jill.
Blanche was active in the community as a 4-H leader, a member of the United Methodist Women, American Legion, Chouteau County Trail Blazers and worked as a Hospice volunteer. She and Francis enjoyed spending time floating the Missouri river with friends and family, bowling, dart league and boating. Her greatest passion was their cabin on Swan Lake. Blanche loved to be at the lake, it gave her time to relax in the beautiful scenery and enjoy time spent with family. They retired from farming in 1988 and relocated to Fort Benton. She and Francis enjoyed traveling whether it was in the United States or overseas. They had many memorable adventures together. In 2013 the couple relocated, to Highgate Senior Living in Great Falls.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Francis Engellent; her parents, Fred and Iza Blyth; sister, Beth Barbara Blyth; brother, Geroge Alton Blyth; sister in-law, Peggy Blyth; Son Edward Lloyd Engellant; premature twin grandsons, Lucas and Joseph Dahinden; and in-laws Hans and Emma Engellant.
Blanche is survived by her children: Laura (Merlin) Voegele, Don (Karol), Rick (Becky) Engellant and Jill (Steve) Dahinden; 11 Grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Blanche's family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Staff at the Highgate Senior Living, the Stillwater Hospice team and Benton Funeral Home for their loving atmosphere and compassionate staff who cared for Blanche.