Blanche B Larragan

Blanche Bethune Larragan, 96, Buhl, passed away May 12, 2015 at Cedar Draw Assisted Living of Filer. She was born on May 20, 1918 to David and Elizabeth (Evans) Bethune at St. Mary's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Blanche was raised and graduated high school in Salt Lake City where she was a member of the Baptist Church. Some of her childhood years and many summers were spent with family in the Wendell and Buhl area. In 1938 Blanche relocated permanently to Buhl. She met and married George Harvey and they had one son, Lee. They were later divorced. In 1953, Blanche married Luis A. Larragan in Elko, Nevada. Together they had one daughter, Peggy. Blanche lost "Luie", the best dancing partner she ever had, to cancer in 1993. During her life in Buhl, Blanche worked at the Buhl Herald, Idaho 1st National Bank, Ida Gem Co-op and Farm Bureau Insurance. Throughout her life in Buhl, she belonged to the Buhl Moose Lodge, Buhl Volunteer Fireman's Women's Auxilliary; participated in community plays in the late 1940's, was a Boy Scout den mother and Camp Fire leader for her children, but her biggest adventure was a member of the "Punkin' Holler Gang". Blanche, Gladys Bickelhaupt, June Simmons, Muriel Christofferson and many friends who worked behind the scenes spent many days, evenings, and weekends together laughing, which fueled their creativity. At her age, Blanche felt like she was preceded in death by all of her close friends and family; including Ruth Johnson, her traveling partner of many years. Together, Blanche and Ruth traveled from Jamaica to Hawaii and many places in the continental United States. The last couple of years, Blanche belonged to the Southern Idaho Parrot Head Club. She enjoyed the club's social gatherings, fund raising events and the affection of its members. Blanche is survived by her son Lee (Susan) Harvey of Castleford, daughter, Peggy (Terry) DeHaas of Filer; ten grandchildren; twenty-seven great grandchildren and eight great great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Luie; and one grandson, Troy. A viewing will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2015 from 5:30 to 7 pm at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 11 am at West End Cemetery in Buhl followed by a Celebration of Her Life at Eight Street Center in Buhl. Memorials in Blanche's memory can made to Cedar Draw Assisted Living; who cared for Blanche this last year or to Hospice Visions, whose caring staff assisted her needs.