Submitted by: Dan Rich

Blanche J. Spillman

July 21, 1921 - Nov. 4, 2004

South Bend Tribune 11/6/2004

Blanche J. Spillman, 83, passed away peacefully while under the loving care of her husband and daughters at her home on Barry Knoll Way in Granger, Ind., on Nov. 4, 2004. Blanche was born July 21, 1921 in South Bend, Ind., the daughter of Jessie and Walter Ullery. She was a graduate of Riley High School Class of 1939.

On May 15, 1943, in South Bend, she was wed to her loving husband of 61 years, William "Bill" Spillman. As a military wife, she traveled with her husband in the early years of their marriage. They began their family, staying for several years in the South Bend area, then in 1957, moved with their family to Wayland, Mich. for six years, where she met her dear friend, Virginia (Adams) White. They then moved back to South Bend, where she spent most of her life. Blanche, Bill and their family would enjoy many vacations at Gun Lake, near Wayland. She had worked at Studebaker Corp and The Associates in South Bend. As a very loving, family oriented lady, she had spent most of her married life as a dedicated housewife, loving mother of three, grandmother of six and great grandmother of seven. She was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church on E. Edison Road, South Bend.

Along with her parents, Blanche is preceded in death by her sister, Helen Miller (Niles); her brother, Johnny Laverne Ullery; and her son-in-law, Eugene Guentert Jr. Left to cherish her memory are her husband William "Bill"; three daughters, Kathleen Kelly of South Bend, Jill Guentert and Linda (John) Myers, both of Granger; and all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her lifelong friend, Angela Snyder of Wyoming, Mich., whom she loved like a sister.

Friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 8, in the Evangelical Covenant Church where services will be at 11 a.m. Graveside services will follow at Highland Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Blanche Spillman may be made in lieu of flowers to Evangelical Covenant Church, 3025 E. Edison Road, South Bend, IN 46615 or to Center for Hospice and Pallative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637, who have been an invaluable assistance to the family, enabling Blanche to remain at home with us until her new home in Heaven was ready for her.

Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, South Bend is assisting the family with arrangements.