Obituary of Blanche-A. King

TOPSHAM - Blanche Addie Felch King, 94, of Lake Mary, Fla., and formerly of Topsham, died July 6, 2011, in Lake Mary. Blanche was born on Nov. 14, 1916, a daughter of Leander and Anna Smith Dexter and was one of 12 children. She is predeceased by five brothers, Lewis, Harold, Martin, King and Everett Dexter; two sisters, Bernice Felch and Creola James; along with a daughter-in-law, Joanne Keenan; and one grandson, Scott Magaro. Blanche married Albert Keenan in 1934. Together, they had three children, James Keenan, of Rutland, Bernice Keenan Welch, of Topsham, and Rodney Keenan, of Heathrow, Fla. Blanche and Albert divorced, and she later married Carl King, of Benson, in 1945. They had one child, Dexter King, of Toland, Mass. Blanche and Carl lived in Benson until 1952. While her children were young, Blanche was involved in the PTA and Boy Scouts, as well as many community events and fundraisers. In 1952, Blanche and Carl moved to Southwick, Mass. Blanche spent years working as a hostess at Howard Johnson's, and then at a Buxton factory. Her love of crafts and cake decorating inspired her to start her own business, and she opened Creative World, a bridal and cake decorating shop in Rutland and then Barre. She spent several years between Southwick and Rutland, until Carl passed. She then moved to East Corinth, where she spent several years running her Barre store. Blanche was a social woman and much enjoyed the company of others. She traveled to numerous places across the United States for business and pleasure. One of her favorite destinations was Cape Cod, Mass., where she spent many summers with her immediate and extended family. Blanche spent her later years living between Topsham and Florida. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Topsham, where she served as an elder for a few years. Most recently she was a resident of Lake Mary Health and Rehab in Florida. Blanche is survived by one brother, Leo Dexter, of East Barre; three sisters, Freda McLam, of Topsham, Eunice McLam, of East Corinth, and Evelyn Moulton, of Westfield, Mass.; her four children and a son-in-law, Duncan Welch; 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours will be held at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St. in Woodsville, N.H., on Sept. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. A graveside service will be on Sept. 17 at 11 a.m. in the East Corinth Cemetery. Pastor Candace Ricker will officiate. For more information or to sign an online condolence, please visit www.rickerfh.com. Ricker Funeral Home in Woodsville, N.H., is in charge of local arrangements.