below is a letter, patch worked by me, from my great grandmother's personal correspondence, a detailed journal, and memories. this was written in her words, to us. This letter was read aloud at her memorial service by family members and distributed to all attendees. I would like to expand this letter and make it into a book, there were a few things I omitted for length's sake and to stay on topic. here also is a photo of Blanche in Alaska, and at the bottom of this entry, a slideshow set to "beautiful Ohio" played on a victrola. She told me in the journal and just talk once that she loved the song because it reminded her of a childhood romance she'd had. ah, puppy love!
I was born February 7th, 1907 in Gas City, Indiana. My father’s name was Isaac Newton Wagner, born in Delphus, Ohio. My Mother was Lulu Isabelle Edwards from Adams County, Indiana. I had three brothers, Clarence, Howard, and (my pet) Bryce. I had one sister, my very best and lifelong friend, Wilma. I had only one child, Annabelle Lee Welliver and from that one child I was blessed with five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. Look what I started!
I grew up in El Paso, Texas, where I made lasting friendships and fell in love for the first time (and the second time, and the third time!). I wrote poetry, read books, danced to the Victrola, and went to lots of parties with my ‘gang’: Virginia, Joan, Wilma, and myself. The ‘gang’ kept in touch for the rest of our lives.
I started working when I was 16 years old. I have worked all kinds of jobs; at a country club in Logansport Indiana, at the Defense factory in Los Angeles in the Second World War, at a dress factory where I was an inspector, as a cashier, and lastly, as a nurse’s aid. I finally retired when I was 75.
When I was 19, I met Annabelle’s father, Herbert Williams, at a party. He was from Indiana too, so, we had a lot to talk about. We dated for about four months. Then, on a Monday, he telephoned me while I was at work to ask me if I would marry him. I said yes and we were married 2 days later in El Paso, Texas. In November of 1926 Annabelle Lee Williams was born in Dallas, Texas. When she was 6 months old we moved to Logansport and then on to Cleveland … and many, many places after that! My most terrifying moment as a parent was when she teetered on the top step of the stairs at her grandparents’ house. I’ll never know how I got up those stairs so fast to keep her from falling! When she was born she had 9 living grandparents! While I worked, Annabelle stayed with her Grandma Williams.
After my divorce, I met my second husband, Earl Bennett, in Logansport, Indiana. Earl was the manager of Etner Automobile. When I married him he didn’t want me to work, but I did anyway… and I enjoyed it! We had almost 25 years together and had wonderful friends and times in Cincinnati, where we owned our own home. Earl was always so proud of ‘his grandkids’ and often boasted of them. We had a very happy life together, and so many good times. After his heart attack in 1962 we moved to Bradenton, Florida, for his health.
After Earl passed away, my granddaughter Nancy came out to Bradenton for me and we drove to Santa Ana, California. It took us 5 days and we stopped at several places. We had a couple of experiences that gave us a good laugh when we got together. She is a great Granddaughter and we have had some great times together.
In Santa Ana, I lived with my aunt Annabel Edwards: a dear friend and my favorite artist. We enjoyed the clubhouse where we played bingo and Annabel painted, we pot lucked with our good neighbors, and entertained many relatives and friends who visited on the way to Disneyland. We had such wonderful times, not just at home, but traveling together as well. Our dear friends Hannah and Seemah Cohen often took us on local adventures and gave our visitors excursions to Southern California’s places of interest.
After Annabel passed away in 1996, I lived alone for 2 years until I moved into the Chateau in Pleasant Hill. Each day there was always different. I got up when I wanted, ate as I pleased, and attended whatever was offered for the day. I played bingo and I was quite lucky. Somehow I always ended up with the same dirty penny! When my grandchildren came to visit we would have lunch in the dining room, I always told them they had to try the cappuccino machine. I made so many good friends and I was very happy there, there was always plenty to do! Also, I was close to Mary and her husband Alan – I will miss them as they were so good to me and I love them very much.
When Annabelle and Don bought a home, I moved in with them. I had my own room and bath, as well as being close to Ellen and her family. She was so good to take me out and to the doctor’s, lunch, shopping, to get my hair done, and pedicures! I don’t know how I ever got along without her. She is such a wonderful mother to her children Mary Lee and Matthew. I love her even though I never have said it enough; she is such a lovely and loved one.
My daughter has always been a joy to me. She is such a source of pride. My proudest moments were when she graduated school and became a nurse. She is such a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Her children and grandchildren (and now Great- grandchildren!) adore her, as she never fails them. Just call and she is there, day or night. I wish I could have been the mother that she is.
My pride - joy and treasures are my family - they are very kind, loving and so considerate of me. Life without them would have been a hardship – and very dull. While I visited them in childhood and adulthood, I didn’t know my own grandparents very well. I hope my grandchildren think happy thoughts of me - as I did try to be a REAL grandma. My grandsons, David and Marc, were always so sweet to me, and sent the most beautiful flowers and wonderful gifts! My granddaughters are heaven sent and I could not ever have thanked or loved them enough for everything they have done for me. My Great-Grandchildren have been such blessings; their many hours of visits, trips, letters, and phone calls are so precious to me. We shared so many good laughs, stories, and memories. I was so fortunate to get to meet all 5 of my great-great grandkids!
I went on so many trips in my life, the first I remember at age 4 with my Daddy. I went to almost every state in the U.S.A! I also traveled to Mexico, Panama, Cuba, China, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Canada, and Hawaii! Not to mention the Cruises I took on Holland America and the trips by motor home with my sister and hubby, and Don and Annabelle! At the Chateau, I would take Sunday excursions to places of interest, horse races, theatres, and restaurants. Often, my great-granddaughter Elizabeth would join me; we had many a wild adventure together. All of my trips were enjoyable- even my trip down the Mississippi! I’ve really enjoyed this life and wish I could just make one more trip. . .
Love always,
Blanche Pauline (Wagner) Bennett
February 7th, 1907 - May 26th, 2010
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