Time For Memory

Blanche E. Ash

1926 - 2011

Blanche Ash age 85 of Greenville passed away August 24, 2011 at home.

She was born on July 2, 1926 in Sidney Michigan the daughter of Evelyn and Albert Petersen. Preceding her in death were her parents, her only sister, Maxine Pumfrey in 1995 and her husband Stanley in 2004.

She is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Ash, of Litchfield Conn. sisters-in-law, Lucille McGuire of Santa Maria, Calif. and Alice Thompson of Belding MI and nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Ash married Stanley Ash on May 26,1951,who was the owner and founder of Greenville Tool and Die Co. After his death in 2004 she was named president of the Stanley and Blanch Ash Foundation, which was known to aid many students with scholarships after their high school graduation for four years of college. The foundation also contributed to many service areas and organizations in the community. She received a bronze recognition plaque from all the employee owners of GTD for the service to them and the community. This plaque is placed on the trail south of GTD. She also received the Spirit of Caring Award at Spectrum Health Charity Ball in 2007 for her many contributions to the area.

She was a member of the Thalia Club since 1954, member of St. Paul Lutheran Church for over 50 years and the Sarah circle of the church and served as a Gray Lady for 19 years at United Memorial Hospital. She also formed the Better Breathers Club in 2006 to help people with breathing problems and on oxygen.

A memorial service will be held at Hurst Funeral Home 11 AM Friday August 26,2011 with Rev. Jerrold T. Jones and Pastor Betsy Kamphuis officiating. Memorials may be given to Greenville Ecumenical Food Mission or the American Lung Association for research.

There are currently 16 condolences.

Diane Porter Sherer Thursday September 22, 2011 at 4:49 PM
Jenny, Don't know if you remember me or not, however, I remember your Mom fondly. She was a wonderful Lady. Please accept my deepest sympathies at your loss. Best Wishes, Diane Porter Sherer

Linda (Tanner) Strodtman Thursday September 1, 2011 at 9:41 AM
Jennifer, Our thoughts are with you in this time of loss of your mother. I have many fine memories of her and your father. Your parents were great supporters of the Greenville community and care of its people. My father worked at GT & D for many years. I will let Mom know of your loss. She lives at Towsley Village in Chelsea. Sincerely, Linda (Parents Glen K and Margaret Tanner)

Jane Clock-Boyden Wednesday August 31, 2011 at 12:11 AM
Jennifer, I have many fun memories of your Mom, Aunt Maxine and Grandma. They were a big part of our extended family as we grew up. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Gwen Botting Friday August 26, 2011 at 2:32 PM
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mother, but what a great life she led! As a parent of a blind child who is now 17, and nealy 15 years of involvement at Camp Tuhsmeheta, I know Blanche loved our kids and the camp. We are so very grateful for the Ash Foundations huge reach into the community to support all the important work of so many. Our world is a much better place because of her love and care for others. Her support of the work we have been doing has given kids who are blind or visually impaired the chance to learn many skills necessary - and hard to get other places - to become independent, successful and fulfilled as people. We give thanks for her life and her magnanimous spirit. Gwen Botting President, Michigan Parents of Children with Visual Impairments Board Member, Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind Mom of Greg Botting, who may one day be governor, or president, or who knows what!

Candace (Jaehnig) Larkin Friday August 26, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Jennifer, you and I were neighbors on Grant Street years ago. You can certainly be proud of the positive impact your parents had on people in the Greenville community. My sincere condolences to you-- Candy Larkin

Lori Buchholz Thursday August 25, 2011 at 2:56 PM
Very sad to hear of her passing, was someone I would always see on Sundays in church growing up. A big loss to our community, both her and Stan. May God bless them.

The VanderLaan Family Thursday August 25, 2011 at 1:22 PM
Blanche Ash was a no-nonsense philanthropist who gave generously and genuinely. We especially appreciate the Ash's support of the arts in this community. They both allowed this area to offer the broad-based offerings that it does.

Emily Noordeloos Thursday August 25, 2011 at 11:37 AM
Grandma Blanche. I love and will miss you. You were such a strong women. I know you are with Jesus, your true love Stan, and other lost family and friends. Thank you for all that you have done for me and my family. We all love you so much! (Say hello to my Grandma K for me. Tell her I love her and think about her often)

Mary Smith Garvelink - Colorado Springs, CO Thursday August 25, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Mrs. Ash was a wonderful role model and example to so many of us. Her generosity, compassion and grace will always be remembered. Prayers are with all who loved her. Blessings and Love, Mary

Mike & Mary Ane Krum Wednesday August 24, 2011 at 11:28 PM
The Greenville community has lost a wonderful & caring individual. I have many found memories of Blanche, Stan & Jennifer as I was growing up. Our families were together alot! My how that seems so long ago... The Ash name will always be remembered fondly. Our condolences. Mike & Mary Ane Krum

Janet Lance Wednesday August 24, 2011 at 10:28 PM
I did not know Blanche well but she was very kind to my daughter and her family. To Jennifer, please know I understand your lose and tresure all the good memories of your family. May God Bless you in your time of sorrow.

Alison & Carl Barberi Wednesday August 24, 2011 at 9:52 PM
Although Stan Ash was well known for his contributions to the community, Blanche's compassion for others and steadfast determination to continue the good work of the Ash Foundation leaves us with great admiration. Blanche was truly a caring woman who we hope knows how many truly cared for her as well. She will be missed. Alison & Carl Barberi

Toni Jagger Wednesday August 24, 2011 at 3:37 PM
My condolences to you Jennifer at the loss of your mother. I admired her so much and thought she was such a gracious person. I am one of many who are very grateful for all she and Stan did to improve the lives of us living in the Belding area. Toni Jagger

Tom & Chris Kohn Wednesday August 24, 2011 at 11:29 AM
Truly an end of an era in Greenville/Belding...Blanche and Stan gave so much to so many and made a difference in many people's lives. Their legacy lives on in their good works...thank you, Blanche & Stan. Our deepest condolences to you, Jennifer. Tom & Chris

Beverly Orvis-Baldwin Wednesday August 24, 2011 at 11:09 AM
Jennifer, Sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Your parents have left a legacy in the Greenville community and they will be remembered always for the love they had for Greenville and for continuing Education. God Bless you and your family, With warmest regards, Bev Orvis

Deanna Kent Whitehead Wednesday August 24, 2011 at 10:12 AM
Jennifer, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Deanna

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