Ora Blanchard

Ora Katherine Blanchard, age 95, passed away in Springfield, Missouri on Sunday, September 1st, 2019.

Ora was born on September 15, 1923 in St. Louis, Missouri, to Frank John Pennington and Katherine Ahrens Pennington. She was the oldest of two children.

Ora met the love of her life at the age of 16, when she went to the Leap Year Dance at her school. His name was Ross Allen Blanchard and they danced all evening. They dated until Ora turned 18. Ora and Ross eloped and were married in Union, Missouri on October 26, 1941 and to this union three children were born.

Ora was the most proud of her family and all of their accomplishments. She loved to read, knit, cross-stitch, do hand sewing, gardening, dancing, camping and floating. When Ora's boys were young, they were both in the Scouts and Ross, her husband became a Scout Master and they were both Rangers at Beaumont Scout Reservation. After Ora and Ross retired, they enjoyed taking their travel trailer around the country and seeing different places.

Ora is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Katherine Pennington; her husband, Ross Blanchard; her two sons, Harry Blanchard and Ross Blanchard Jr.; and her bother Harry Pennington.

Ora is survived by her daughter, Carol Wheeler of Springfield, MO; eight Grandchildren, many Great Grandchildren, one great-great grandchild with another one on the way; several nieces, and other extended family and friends.

A funeral service for Ora Blanchard will be at 9:00 am on Friday, September 6, 2019 at the Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri. A committal service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, September 6, 2019 at Sunset Memorial Park, 10180 Gravois Rd, Affton, Missouri 63123.

The family suggests contributions to Phoenix Home Care & Hospice, 3033 S. Kansas Expy., Springfield, Mo. 65807.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com