William Lee Blake

William (Bill) Lee Blake, cherished father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away on November 14, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born in Haddam, Kansas to Henry and Frena (Cales) Blake on August 3, 1928. Bill grew up in Haddam and graduated from Haddam high School in 1946. He married Ruth Jean Prall from the nearby town of Morrowville, Kansas, sharing 50 years of marriage before her passing in 1996. After the birth of their first child, Billie Jean, the young couple moved to Scottsbluff, Nebraska where he worked for Burlington Northern Railroad. During their time in Scottsbluff, they became parents to three more children, Linda, Michael and Patricia. In 1957, they moved to Sidney, Nebraska where they bought their first home and raised their family.

Those who knew Bill will remember his kindness, generosity, and sharp wit. His love of the outdoors was a defining part of his life, whether he was hunting for arrowheads, fishing for trout, or out hunting pheasants. He was an avid reader of Wild West tales and a dedicated student of the geology around him. After making his home in Mesa, Arizona in 2005, he also developed an avid loyalty to the Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Suns, enthusiastically following every game.

Bill will be deeply missed by his extensive family. He is survived by his children, Linda Bunting-Blake (Gerald) of Goodyear, AZ, and Patricia Howard-Blake of Mesa, AZ, along with many cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. He is reunited in death with his wife, Ruth, and his children, Billie Elmshauser and Michael Blake.

In honor of Bill's wishes, he was cremated. His family and friends will gather for a celebration of his life and inurnment in the Spring at the Haddam Cemetery in Haddam, Kansas, to honor his memory, where he will join with many cherished family members who preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill's memory to the Haddam Community Fund, 501 Main Street, Haddam Kansas, C/o Steve Zenger, Mayor.