Obituary of Margaret Ruth Blanchard

Mrs. Margaret Ruth Blanchard, age 87, a resident of Auburndale, Florida passed away Friday, October 6, 2023 at her home surrounded by family. Mrs. Blanchard was born September 19, 1936 in Greenwich, Connecticut. She was an Auburndale resident since the 1970’s coming from Connecticut. Margaret was a homemaker, member of the First United Methodist Church, president of the First United Methodist Women and a member of the Army Ladies Auxiliary Club. Margaret and her late husband Dwight traveled over 20 years while he served in the Army during the Korean Conflict & Vietnam (Connecticut, Indiana, Virginia, Korea, Texas, New Jersey, Georgia, Germany & Florida). She enjoyed volunteering for the church, crafts, flowers, plants, yardwork, animals and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband – Francis “Dwight” Blanchard (2009); sister – Mildred; brother – Robert and grandson – Yahshua. Margaret is survived by her loving family, 3 sons – Dwight (Mary) Blanchard of Chandler, Arizona, Daniel (Debra) Blanchard and Robert Blanchard both of Auburndale, Florida; daughter – Margaret Moses of Estell Springs, Tennessee.; sister – Patricia Sanders of Mulberry, Florida; 16 grandchildren – Angela (Seth), Kyle (Isabella), Meghan (Jim), Michael (Vanessa), Lori (Rich), Jennifer (Chris), Kayla, Matthew, Heather (Jason), Elizabeth (Kayn), William, Fairn, Jim, Brian, Crystal Nicole and Wayne (Tori); 17 great grandchildren – Addison, Bailey, Isaiah, Liam, Mariska, Benjamin, Makyela, Brantley, Garrett, Tristan, Tyler, Ava, James, Angelina, Leighton, Everleigh and Dalton; 2 great great grandchildren – Kayden and Kieya.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Mrs. Blanchard’s name to either; The United Methodist Women, 316 Lake Ariana Blvd., Auburndale, FL. 33823 OR SPCA, 5850 Brannen Rd. S., Lakeland, FL. 33813.   Funeral services will be held 6pm Tuesday, October 10^th with visitation beginning at 5pm both at the First United Methodist Church, 316 Lake Ariana Ave., Auburndale. Graveside services will be held 10am Wednesday, October 11^th at Griffin Cemetery, 2339 Sleepy Hill, Lakeland.