Jean Marie Reynolds Blanck

Jean Marie (Wellever) Reynolds Blanck, 89, of Battle Creek, Michigan passed away Friday evening, August 18, 2017.

Jean was born July 31, 1928 in Jackson, Michigan to Herold Charles and Crystal Almira (Pennock) Wellever. As a child, she moved to Battle Creek with her family and attended Post Elementary, Southeastern Junior High and was a 1946 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. She also graduated from the former Argubright Business College. Jean was employed for 22 years as the Financial Secretary at First Congregational Church, retiring in 1990. She was previously employed by Pattison Beer Distributors in Battle Creek.

Jean was formerly married to Lavern "Vern" Reynolds, who died September 13, 2010. Jean married Leo James Blanck on December 6, 1975. Sadly, Leo preceded her in death on November 21, 2012. Surviving are two daughters, Sandra Lynn (James) Denzel of Milpitas, CA, Kathleen Marie (Randy) Crandall of Mendon, MI; a son, Michael Richard (Janet) Reynolds of Hastings, MI; a stepson, Jonathon Hathaway (Mary) Blanck of Merced, CA; a stepdaughter, Kimberly Sue (Ken) Stevens of Bisbee, AZ; six grandchildren, Bill (Wendy) Denzel, Jen (Jacob) Sams, Kelly Hecker, Leslie (Buck) Quinn, Tracy (David) Solmes, Lisa (Eddie) Reynolds-Rock; and 13+ great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Leo, Jean was also preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Robert Wellever and a sister, Ruth Nelson.

Jean was a 50+ year member of the First Congregational Church in Battle Creek and a member of its Susanna Winslow Circle. She and Leo were members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Reed City, Michigan, where they ran the Food Pantry for 20 years. Jean and Leo also managed the Montgomery Ward Catalogue Store in Hastings, MI for many years. When her health permitted, Jean enjoyed reading, sewing, flower gardening and golfing. She especially loved spending time with her family.

Friends will be received 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 22, 2017 in the Miller Chapel at the First Congregational Church, 145 Capital Avenue NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017 where funeral services to celebrate Jean's life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday. Interment will follow at the Fort Custer National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday. Memorials may be directed to the Food Bank of South Central Michigan or Great Lakes Caring Hospice. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.