Blanche J. Vance

April 8, 1931 - August 31, 2018

Blanche J. Vance, 87 of Oskaloosa and formerly of Beacon, passed away Friday, August 31, 2018, at the same lot she was born, in Beacon, Iowa. Blanche Julia Vance, daughter of Emmery and Blanche (Darland) Laud, was born April 8, 1931, in Beacon, Iowa. She graduated in 1948 from Beacon High School. She married Duane Vance, April 23, 1949, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. They made their home in Oskaloosa, and Blanche stayed very busy as a homemaker, mother of four children and wife. When her children were old enough, Blanche went to work at Jaarsma Bakery. She worked for 30 plus years at Jaarsma Bakery and enjoyed working and everyone she met. Blanche was a member of the Beacon United Methodist Church for more than 60 years. She was very active in church and enjoyed teaching Sunday School, Bible School and being part of her Bible study class. She also enjoyed tutoring people and helping them learn to read. Blanche’s faith was very important to her, and she made that known to her entire family, always encouraging them and coaching them in Jesus’ love. Blanche would tell her family, “Remember, Jesus Forgives.” Blanche’s family includes her husband, Duane Vance of Oskaloosa, her children and their spouses: Debra and Bob Parton of Beacon, Steve and Nancy Vance of Huxley, IA; ; a daughter-in-law, Carolyn Vance of Oskaloosa, and son-in-law, Denny Meier of Colorado Springs, CO her 12 grandchildren, 31 great and great-great-grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren and 5 step-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Pat Vance of Tracy, IA, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to parents, Blanche was preceded in death by her son, Ronnie Vance, her daughter, Diane Meier, two granddaughters: Brandy Taylor and Tonya Vance, and great-granddaughter, Nikkole Taylor, her 12 brothers and sisters, and a brother-in-law, Bunk Vance. Graveside Services for Blanche will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 5, 2018, at the Old White Cemetery Oskaloosa with Rev. Jim Dotson officiating. Visitation will begin at noon, Tuesday, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel; the family will greet visitors from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday evening. As was her wish, Blanche’s body has been cremated. Memorial contributions can be made to the Beacon United Methodist Church or the MHP Hospice Services. Memories and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting langkampfuneralchapel.com