Ruth Naomi Blanchard

  Ruth Naomi Blanchard, 86, of East Jordan, died on Tuesday, 19 February, 2019, under the care of the in-hospital hospice at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital, Petoskey.

  She was born on 18 January, 1933, in Charlevoix, the daughter of Lois Hattie (Whitman) and Clinton Sidney Blanchard.

  Ruth received her B.A. and Masters in Education from Michigan State University.  She had worked numerous years as a reporter for the Cadillac Evening News and the Clare Sentinel.  From the 1960’s, she was a fifth grade teacher in Petoskey Public Schools.  She first taught at Sheridan Elementary School and then Ottawa Elementary School.  She then retired and moved into the house that her father built in East Jordan.

  In addition to her love of reading, having an artistic temperament, she loved painting, quilting and creating original burlap appliques.  She also enjoyed many years of volunteering as a docent at the Jordan River Arts Council in East Jordan.

  Ruth is survived by her sister, Marie Celeste Blanchard Alm; two sisters-in-law, Joan Blanchard and Katie Miller; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters and brothers-in-law, Bernice (Lyle) Warner and Merle (Raymond, Sr.) Payberg; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Burr (Florence) Blanchard, Max (Cleo) Blanchard, Rex Blanchard and Harold Miller.

  Funeral services will be held on 9 March, 2019, at 2:00 P.M. at the Penzien Funeral Homes, Inc. in East Jordan.  Rev. David Behling will officiate and Jim Gillespie will provide music on his mandolin.  Interment will be held in the Spring at Brookside Cemetery, Charlevoix. 

  The family will receive friends on Friday, 8 March, 2019, from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. 

  Ruth loved animals, so in her memory and in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Charlevoix County Humane Society, 614 Beardsley Street, Boyne City MI 49712, or to Michigan State University College of Education, 220 Trowbridge Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, Jordan River Arts Council, 301 Main St, East Jordan, MI 49727, Hospice of Little Traverse Bay (directed toward the in - hospital care), One Hiland Drive, Petoskey MI 49770.

  Ruth’s family would like to thank all of the family and friends who have helped through this difficult time.

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