Blanche Bagwell

Blanche Bagwell, 88 of Twin Falls formerly of Boise, returned to the loving care of her Heavenly Father on September 28, 2008. She passed away peacefully in the early morning hours at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls. Her loving daughter-in-law, Debbie Taylor, was at her side at the time of her passing. Blanche was born on July 22, 1920 in Acequia, ID to Reuben and Sylvia (Christopherson) Moncur. She grew up on the family farm in Acequia and graduated as Valedictorian from her class of 14 students in 1938. Living on the family farm offered Blanche and her siblings, great freedom of space and time. Love for her family and friends, was cultivated early in life. Her families land adjoined her grandfather's property allowing for close relationships with numerous relatives in the area. She was involved in church activities, Girl Scouts, riding horses, music lessons, reading and planting potatoes with her father on a horse drawn planter. Blanche's mother's greatest desire was for her children to have more education than she had. Blanche was able to attend Ricks College in Rexburg, ID on an academic scholarship. She worked in the Registrar's office, a photography studio and evenings in a Rexburg restaurant to help with expenses. After graduating with an Associates Degree she found employment as a teacher in Milo, ID in 1941 where she taught in a country school with two other teachers. She then taught school in Shelly, ID for one year before going to Wilson's Business College in Seattle, WA. She was a part time student during the day and taught classes during the evenings. She studied and taught shorthand, typing, business math, teletype, switchboard, filing and English. Blanche found a new career with Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co. where she soon became their top teletype operator. She was transferred around the Western states which was exciting for the woman off the family farm. She met William R. Taylor while employed with A&P, she and Bill were married on February 14, 1945 in Presque Isle, Maine. They moved back to Idaho Falls, ID where Bill was a produce buyer for A&P. The family moved to Burley in 1960 where Bill was the office manager at the A&P plant. Bill had two sons, Richard Taylor and James Taylor at the time of their marriage. Blanche had a lifelong relationship with her step sons and loved them as her own. Bill and Blanche had three sons, Michael Taylor; Greg Taylor and Jon Taylor. Bill passed away in October 1967. Blanche met J.R. Bagwell in 1968 and they were married in April 1969. Blanche and J.R. worked together in the Hospitality Industry, managing motel in Portland, OR; Everett, WA and Moses Lake, WA before retiring in 1982. They moved to Boise, ID to be near Blanche's brother Lavon and his family. J.R. passed away in 2006 at that time Blanche moved to Twin Falls, to be near her sons, Mike and Greg and their wives, Judy and Debbie. Blanche was a life long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was active in church meetings, Relief Society, Choir and Organist at meetings. One of her most memorable achievements was singing in the Salt Lake Tabernacle at a L.D.S. semi-annual conference. She enjoyed quilting and became quite accomplished at the craft. She taught quilting skills to numerous girls and young woman. J.R. knew the importance of her quilting and encouraged her to continue with the craft, even though the quilt stands became a fixture in their living room at times. She made baby quilts for young parents in her church wards and for family members. After Blanche's retirement from employment in 1982, she became a garage sale enthusiast. She enjoyed walking around her neighborhoods looking for special bargains. She had a garage full of "special items" she purchased for $1.00 of less. She had special occasions with her daughter-in-law, Judy attending garage sales when Judy visited from Portland, OR. She had a wonderful sense of humor about the "treasures" she was able to find. Blanche touched the lives of people around her wherever she was. She was a loving and dedicated Mother to her sons, loyal friend to many people through her work and places of residence and a faithful servant for Jesus throughout her life. It is a blessing, honor and privilege to have her for a mother. During the last 2 years and 9 months of her life, Blanche resided at Curry Retirement Estates. Her family would like to offer our special thanks and gratitude to Joleen Tuma, Ron and Melissa Fustos and Barb Koch for their love and care for Blanche. The family also sends their appreciation to the many staff members who have cared for Blanche over the past few years. Lisa, Tabitha, Sharon, Crystal, Gina and all the others have been so kind and caring to our beloved mother. Thank you with our warmest regards. Blanche is survived by her sons, Michael (Judy) Taylor, Greg (Debbie) Taylor, Twin Falls; Jon (Mia) Taylor, Portland, OR; James (Ramona) Taylor and Richard (Marie) Taylor; brother LaVon Moncur, Boise, ID; 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded by her parents; husbands, Bill and J.R.; sister, Dorothy and brother, Harold. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 2 with a viewing from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 1 at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls. Burial will be at Gem Memorial Gardens in Burley.