Vance Blalock

OBITUARY FOR VANCE SHEWMAKER BLALOCK

MAY 29, 1953 – DECEMBER 24, 2021

Vance Blalock, beloved mother, sister, and friend died Friday, December 24, 2021, at her home in Westminster, Colorado.  She was 68 years old.

Vance was born Jean Vance Shewmaker in 1953 in Louisville, Kentucky, to parents Jean Moreland and Charles Vance Shewmaker.  She graduated from Southern High School and then the University of Louisville with a Bachelors Degree in Commerce, majoring in Accounting.   After earning her CPA license, she joined Ernst & Ernst, one of few women in the accounting field at the time.

She visited Denver, fell in love with the mountains, and moved shortly thereafter.  Vance met and married William Robert Blalock.  They separated later but remained close friends.  Their son, Daniel Wesley Blalock, preceded her in death.  Survivors include their daughter, Laura Devin Blalock, and grandchildren Harlow James Blalock and Wesley Roman Wilderman who are saddened to lose their Wawa.  Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Judith Shewmaker Stearns and husband Jeffrey Thomas Stearns.

In Denver she joined predecessors of Western Gas Resources, a small company, and was instrumental in its growth until its sale in 2006 for $5.3 billion.  At this point she had achieved the executive position of Vice President-Treasurer.  A true pioneer, she mentored numerous employees, preparing them for the situations ahead.

Vance was a member of Flatiron Community Church and regularly attended services.  She volunteered at Lifeline Puppy Rescue and Sister Carmen Community Center.  A devoted dog mom to 7 rescue dogs, she was surrounded by them at death.  Vance requested no memorial service be held.  The family requests any memorial donations be made to the Foothills Animal Shelter, which is helping to find loving homes for her furry babies.