Blanche B. Burling

Blanche B. Burling, long time La Grande resident, died Monday at the home. She was 95.

Blanche was born on November 5, 1920 in East Gardner, Oregon to Miles "Roy" and Beulah (Woodruff) Reavis. She was raised and educated in East Gardner graduating with the class of 1938. On February 17, 1940 she was married to Merle Burling in Gardner after which they made their home in Coos Bay until 1944 when they moved to Boise, Idaho. In 1947 they moved to La Grande where they have since resided. She enjoyed being a homemaker and raising her family. Merle preceded her in death on April 14, 2014.

Blanche was one of Jehovah's Witnesses. At the center of Blanche's life and heart were her faith in her creator and the Bibles truths and promises. Blanche found deep joy in teaching others about the Bible and helping people. She loved and expressed interest in her family. She enjoyed writing poetry for which she received a number of awards. As well as reciting poems, Blanche enjoyed singing, often breaking out in song when you least expected it. She regularly expressed her appreciation for the beauty in creation while observing the wildlife, birds, horses and flowers. In recent years she enjoyed going for rides around the valley.

She was preceded death by her parents, husband and her brother, Elwin Reavis.

She is survived by her brother Don Reavis of Bandon, Oregon; her three children and their spouses, Phillip and Katherine of La Grande; Susan and Jerry Morrison of Richland, Washington; Shirley and Mitch Peppley of Prosser, Washington; 9 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 5 great great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Service will be December 5 at 3:00 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. 1511 26th Street, La Grande, OR 97850. Online condolences may be left at www.danielsknopp.com.

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