Blanche (CLEMONS) STAMPER

CLEMONS, STAMPER, DULLGORDON, FROST, CAMPBELL, BLESSMAN, FALLS

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 6/12/2012 at 00:06:24

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
November, 1976

OBITUARY ~ BLANCHE STAMPER

Blanche CLEMONS STAMPER was born May 6, 1894 at Albia in Monroe County, Iowa, a daughter of Mac and Ruetta (DULL) CLEMONS.

In 1896, her family moved to Ringgold County, where Blanche attended Mount Ayr high School, and resided most of the rest of her life. [She passed away on November 17, 1976 at Mount Ayr.]

On Dec. 3, 1913, she was joined in marriage with Harry A. STAMPER in Mount Ayr. She lived briefly in Mount Ayr, Grand River, 15 years in Diagonal, and from 1936 to 1976 in the Mount Ayr community.

In April, 1945, her husband, Harry died. Blanche began work outside the home to support herself and two children still living at home, Harry and Marietta. She worked 25 years as a sales person and cashier at Place's Store in Mount Ayr, from April 1947 to April, 1972, when she retired.

She had many friends who appreciated her sense of humor, warmth, and positve outlook. She was a member of the Tuesday Club, and for many years played the piano for the Rebekah Lodge, and Royal Neighbor Lodge. She enjoyed quilting, knitting, reading, and writing to family members and friends. Numerous families in Mount Ayr became near and dear to her as she "babysat" their children.

Blanche was a member of the Diagonal United Methodist Church while in that community, and transferred to the Mount Ayr United Methodist Church in 1936, remaining an active member here 40 years until her death. When she was unable to attend church because of health, she listened regularly to services on radio and television.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Harry STAMPER; two infant sons; one granddaughter, Judith Ann GORDON; and all five of her brothers, Loren, Joe and Mac CLEMONS, and two infant brothers.

Surviving are her one sister, Mrs. Lee (Minnie) FROST of rural Maloy, Iowa; four daughters, Mrs. Owen (Dorothy B.) CAMPBELL and Mrs. Leroy (Betty Jo) BLESSMAN, both of Mount Ayr, Iowa, Mrs. Howard (Helen Mae) GORDON of Des Moines, and Mrs. W. A. (Marietta) STEPHENS of Diagonal, and a son, Harry A. STAMPER, Jr. of Colorado Springs, Colo,; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Loren (Bess) CLEMONS of Wichita, Kansas, and Mrs. Harry (Lou Kay) FALLS of Mankato, Minn.; other relatives, and many friends.

She will be remembered as a strong and loving person.

Funeral services were held Nov. 20 from the Rhoades-Wilson Funeral Home with Rev. Arthur HILL officiating. Music was provided by Mrs. Robert FISHER and Mrs. Elbert STRANGE, accompanied by Mike GREENE. Casketbearers were Joe PLACE, Eldon MAIN, Ed KENNEDY, James MAHAN, Jr., Lyle NICHOLS and William HAROVER. Interment was in the Rose Hill cemtery, Mount Ayr.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, June of 2012