RuthAnn Blanchard's Obituary
She battled with COPD which took her last breath away but not her spirit. She sent messages to those close to her not to smoke, “that’s why I’m so sick” she confided. She fought hard right to the end and now she can breathe easy once again. She was the most amazing mother, wife, sister, friend, grandmother and mother-in law anyone could know. Sunrises and sunsets touched her deeply so when you look up and see one smile knowing she is at peace now.
RuthAnn is survived by her husband Terry; her children, Dennis (Julie) and Debbie (Glenn) her Sister Michele and her Grandsons Kevin (Shelly), Dane, Kenyon (Lindley). She has a large extended family that fondly remembers her and will miss her.
RuthAnn was preceded in death by her father, Archie Nielsen, mother, Afton Susie Hamblin, son Barry John Cotton, ex-husband Michael John Cotton and many others.
She didn’t have an easy life but never complained. Her mother died when she was only two and her father was blind. There was a social worker who tried to take her away from him because there was no way “a blind guy could take care of a young girl by himself”. The social worker even found a couple willing to pay to adopt her.. times were different back then. For many years it was just the two of them. In 1949 Archie married Dona Lucile Young who was in a wheelchair, and mom was a big help to both of them. In May of 1950 they welcomed a baby girl, Michele into their family. Although there were 8 years difference between them, Michele remembers RuthAnn coloring with her, letting her help cook and taking her to hang out with friends. She remembers putting on a Christmas play for their Mom and Dad. She has fond memories of her growing up. Later in life as sisters, they’ve become closer and RuthAnn enjoyed going to Aunt Michele’s Fourth of July Party every year.
She went to Yellowstone for a summer job when she was 17. She said it was one of the most memorable times she had in her life. Recently she was going through those pictures and had a big smile on her face sharing the memories.
May 1960 she married Michael John Cotton. They had three children, Dennis, Barry and Debbie. There were a lot of good memories made as a family. We enjoyed the outdoors including deer hunting, silhouette shooting and fishing just to name a few.
July 1987 she married Terry Blanchard. They shared a love for scuba diving and travel. They got to see different parts of the world and took many beautiful trips together.
She was by far one of the craftiest people around and I was blessed to be her crafting partner in crime through all the years. Even though she was sick, on this years National Scrapbook Day 5.4.24 (yes folks, it’s a national holiday) we were able to scrapbook together one last time. I will treasure that memory forever. Not only did I get my craftiness from her but I learned to cook from her as well. She was the best cook I’ve ever known. We come from a family of “foodies” and when I asked Lincoln and Caden what their favorite food was that she made they both said Lasagna. That is really high on my list too. Lincoln recently sent a text to her that said I miss u and ur cooking.
The scrapbooks that she’s put together through the years hold a special place in our hearts. The things about our history that we didn’t know come to life on the pages she put together. They are beautiful and tell a story for us, about us and for the future generations to come. We will treasure looking through them and reliving the memories and history she documented. Thank you Mom!
It was such a treat to get a handmade card from her. Each one handcrafted, always paying attention to every little detail that mattered to her, always making the person feel special. You could tell the time, love and thoughtfulness that went into every card she sent out.
Dennis remembers her having an amazing sense of travel and going scuba diving. She was brave and confident to do those things. Being “foodies” it was fun to share new recipes and see what the other one was cooking. She often said she wished they lived closer so they could share a meal together, that would have been nice. Now there are only 2 of us left from the original family of 5.
Per her request there will be no services. A private remembrance will be held for the family. Raise a cup of coffee or eat some Mexican food in her honor. She will be smiling down right there with you.
What’s your fondest memory of RuthAnn?
What’s a lesson you learned from RuthAnn?
Share a story where RuthAnn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with RuthAnn you’ll never forget.
How did RuthAnn make you smile?