Blanch Rowena Butts was born in Fresno on December 31, 1921, to the late Robert and Olive Gunn. She was the second of four children in a tight-knit family, a closeness that she and her parents and siblings and their families would carry on throughout their entire lives.
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Blanch married Elmer Butts on September 25, 1939. After getting their marriage license, they celebrated by going out for a hamburger and a milkshake, which started a tradition they would continue every anniversary for their 66 years of marriage.
Blanch and Elmer quickly welcomed three children into their lives: Gerald, Robert, and Shirley. In addition to raising their own family, they opened their hearts and their home to foster children in Fresno County. Over nearly 30 years of being foster parents, they loved and cared for 147 children. They eventually adopted one, adding another daughter, Lori, into their family. Blanch possessed a strength that most people cannot fathom- the ability to love a child and give them back, usually not knowing if their paths would ever cross again. She was able to do this because of her faith in God.
Blanch was steadfast in her Christian faith for the duration of her long life. She was always involved in church activities and led a prayer chain for many years. She shared her faith with her family, planting seeds of faith in those around her.
“But Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (1 Timothy 6:6-7 KJV). Blanch was the epitome of contentment; sometimes not having much, but always having enough. She was humble, faithful, and fulfilled.
Blanch and Elmer’s home was always open to those in need, and they continually surrounded themselves with family. After raising their children and foster children, she took care of her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved children more than anything. When they got too big for her to hold, she’d prop them on her lap to let them know how much she loved them. In addition to her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, she also doted on her nieces and nephews and their families, creating bonds that bridged generations.
Blanch will be remembered by her family and all who knew her, for her faith, love of her family, and her giving spirit.
Blanch passed away peacefully on December 18, 2023, just shy of her 102nd birthday. We’re certain she’s made it to heaven, just in time to celebrate the birth of the Lord and reunite with her loved ones who have gone before her.
Blanch is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings and their spouses, her husband Elmer, son Robert and wife Nell, daughter Shirley and husband Bob, daughter-in-law Hazel, grandsons Bobby and Mark, and granddaughter-in-law Kelly. She is survived by her son Gerald, daughter Lori and husband Mark, and daughter-in-law Reta; grandchildren Troy, Terri, Sandy, Jerry Jr., Karen, Gary, Scott, Sarah, and Mallory; great grandchildren Curtis, Stephanie, Megan, Kimberly, Stephanie, Ryan, Brandon, Kyle, Shelby, Ashley, Blake, Bradley, Saben, Nolan, Haley, Henry, Molly, and Amelia; great great grandchildren Caden, Matthew, Brendan, Davin, Alissa, Emily, Charlie, Brooklyn, Emerson, Adelynn, Eloise, Ryan, Austyn, Easton, and Marshall; niece Michelle Sykes, and several more nieces and nephews.
A graveside service for Blanch will be held Tuesday, January 2, 2024, from 11:00 AM at Fresno Memorial Gardens, 175 South Cornelia Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.
Blanch will be laid to rest in Fresno Memorial Gardens, 175 S. Cornelia Ave, Fresno, California 93706.
