Blanche Ruth McKinney

Blanche Ruth (Franklin) McKinney was born December 9^th, 1924 in Sterling, Colorado, to parents Russell James Franklin (Madison, WI) and Margaret Ada Tatum (Topeka, KS).   She left this world on Wednesday, September 20^th 2023 at 98 years old.

She attended school in Sterling, Colorado and upon graduating in 1942, she moved to Denver, Colorado.  While waiting to turn 18 and begin Civil Service, she took a job at Montgomery Wards stocking shelves on roller skates.  Later working for Gates Rubber Company as Secretary in the Technical Department where she played on the softball team.

In June of 1944 she married Henry (Hank) Glen Dunn Jr. They moved to California where Hank was stationed at Fort Ord. There she worked as Secretary to the Finance Officer.  Hank passed away from Leukemia in 1959.

Coming back to Denver, she married Leonard (Mack) Eugene McKinney November 18, 1961.

Blanche spent 36 years with Home Insurance Company in various positions, before retiring in 1987.

Before Mack’s passing in 1987, they bought a condo in Heather Gardens, a Retirement Community.  There, Blanche served on many committees and was at the Reception Desk at the Clubhouse for many years.  She was the Secretary for the Community Center and the Foundation Committee. Volunteering for 20 years as coordinator for the Visiting Nurses Assoc helping with various duties.  She served on the Special Events Committee, helping to start the very popular “Wine and Cheese Club” that carries on today. One of her favorite passions was the Frolics Club where she wore many hats as well as being a cast member at times. 

Blanche was an avid bowler with her “Claim to Fame” in 1976 when her bowling team won the league championship and where she bowled an impressive 297 earning her many awards and titles.

She was preceded in death by her sister Alberta Souders from Sterling, CO in 2013, nephew David Souders of Denver in 1998 and Great nephew Scott Souders of Sterling in 1994.  She is survived by her niece Louise Jones of Sterling, nephews Cecil Souders of Sterling, and Dennis Souders of Nickerson KS.  Great nieces and nephews Jenette Hofer (Scott), Kendra Walter, Jonathan Jones (Jessica), Jeremy Souders (Rachel), Josh Souders and numerous Great-Great nieces and nephews. 

I’m Free

- author unknown

Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free,

I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard him call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

I found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full. I’ve savored much:

Good friends, good times and loved ones’ touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don’t’ lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your ears and share with me.

God wanted me now.  He set me free.