Blanche Fleming Obituary

Blanche Elmira Merchant Hanson Fleming Blanche was born to Elizabeth Esther and Harry Merchant on June 7, 1909 in Algona County, Province of Ontario, Canada. She passed from this life on May 26, 2005 in Fresno, California at the age of 95. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Olaf Hanson in 1946 after 18 years of marriage, second husband James S. Fleming in 1971 after 20 years of marriage, her brother Guy Merchant of Vancouver, B.C., Canada, three sons: Byron Hanson of Chicago, IL, Beverley Hanson of Kirkland, WA, Wesley Hanson of Tacoma, WA and daughter Gloria Mahle of Houston, TX. She is survived by sons Erling B. (Linda) Hanson of Flemington, MO, David G. (Dawn) Hanson of Central City, NE and James A. Fleming of Boise, ID; by two daughters Shirley (Ron) Mason of Fresno, CA, and Madaline (David) Thorpe of Tacoma, WA., loving daughters-in-law and son-in-law Jean Hanson, Laurice Hanson and Howard Mahle. Blanche is also survived by 30 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. Blanche was a devoted Christian wife and mother, member of the Southside Church of Christ, then the Lakeview Church of Christ and more recently of the Woodward Park Church of Christ in Fresno, California. She was known for her wonderful baked goods, her warm hospitality and her love for flowers. She was a member of the City-wide Garden Club for many years. She will be truly missed by her many friends, neighbors and family. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2005 at 2:00 P.M. at the Lakeview Church of Christ, 1709 S. 112th Street in Tacoma, Washington (Mailing address: PO Box 44347, Tacoma, WA 98444). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to the Ladies' Caring Ministry or the Delano Bay Christian Camp, c/o the Lakeview Church of Christ. Sign the on-line guest book at www.legacy.com/tribnet.

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Jun. 22, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Blanche Fleming

9 Entries

Nona & Ed Longstaff

June 29, 2005

Our sympathy to all of Blanches family.She was a great Lady that endured great sorrow and some trying times.she faced this with courage and determination.We back in Sask. always looked forward to her visits.Blanche was loved by our family and will be remembered for her smile and joy in life.Love to you all. Nona.

Dorothy Napolitano

June 26, 2005

I feel so blessed to have known Blanche over these many years. She is one of the rare breed who lived her beliefs. She suffered more than her share of adversity throughout her life but I never heard her complain. She was one of the dearest and most generous persons I've had the pleasure of knowing and I will miss her greatly. There's a special place in heaven for this great lady.

Mindy (Hanson) Edgemon

June 24, 2005

I so loved my Great-Grandma Fleming and have so many fun memories of her from family reunions and holidays. Always baking the best rolls around and crocheting blankets for someone. A couple of my favorite memories are of her "Fourth of July Flag Pants" at our last family reunion and she and Great Grandma Wallace playing cards with us until Midnight--they were the life of the party!!! What an amazing example of what a Christian woman should be.

Jennie Moshier

June 24, 2005

I enjoyed getting to know Blanche when she was here for the summers, and more recently when she moved to Fresno. She was an inspiration to me, and to all who knew her. She was always positive, had a quick wit and sense of humor, and was an example in how she handled the adversities in her life. I never once heard her complain about anything--not even when she was so sick near the end. She enjoyed each day to the fullest--whatever it brought. I enjoyed so much going out to lunch with her and Shirley, and then going shopping at the antique stores afterward. I think I got tired out quicker than she did. I shall miss her very much!

Charles Moshier

June 24, 2005

Occasionally I play a guitar and sing at socials, rest homes, etc. I once told Blanche that I would play and sing for her in exchange for some of her fine cinnimon rolls. I played and sang for her and she in return supplied a pan of her delicious cinnamon rolls. I am quite sure that I got the best of that deal!

Blanche had a refreshing sense of humor and quick wit. I made some sort of comment about being "pretty good" and she responded by telling me that I was certainly not pretty! Blanche was a very sweet and wonderful lady.

Bonnie David

June 23, 2005

Blanche was a blessing in each of our lives that she touched. Her love flowed. She was indeed a Christian Lady and lived her faith. The memory of her will remain in our hearts.

Barbara Lawley

June 23, 2005

We have truly loved the time Blanche spent here with Shirley and Ron in Fresno. She was a very big part of our Tuesday crocheting and knitting get togethers. Her quick sense of humor was always so delightful. She made a record numbers of afgans for so many people. Thank you for sharing her with us.

Paul Hanson

June 22, 2005

I was privaledged to be one of Grandma Fleming's 30 grand children, the third child of her son Beverly. I have fond memories of holiday get togethers at Grandmas house in Bremerton. I can still smell the wonderfull aromas that came from grandma's kitchen. She would cook and bake for all of us on her wood cook stove. When I was a young adult Grandma stayed with us for a couple of weeks while my parents were visiting family in Saskatchewan. It was a great opportunity to get aquainted with the person grandma was. In her most recent years Grandma expressed thankfullness for the blessing of her large family and each day she said she was thankfull to be alive to be with them and to pursue her interests. She expressed that the most challenging part of such a long life was the passing of four of her children and one of her grandchildren. Though I will miss Grandma I'm comforted to believe that she will once again be able to embrace those she loved that passed before her. I'm thankfull for Shirley and Ron to have provided a wonderfull home for Grandma in her twilight years.

Jim & Debbie Friel

June 22, 2005

Debbie and I had the joy, of taking care of Blanche's yard for several years, we were so sorry to hear of her passing, but know she was so well taken care of and loved, it brings great comfort. Blance would greet Debbie and I at the door in the winter time with hot cookies, fresh out of the oven, always a nice break, and treat for us. She always invited us in for water in the summer to cool off, We always enjoyed our visit with her. We'd like to express our smypathy to each and everyone of you, but take comfort knowing she touched so many lives, and lived such a long wonderful life. May God be with each and everyone in your time of sorrow.

JD'S Lawnservice

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