Estacada, OR resident, Blanche Zimbelman, died at her home on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012. She was 89.

A celebration of her life was held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Peace Lutheran Church in Estacada, Oregon. Inurnment was at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Gregory, South Dakota on Friday, June 22, 2012 at 11 a.m. followed by a memorial service at St. John Lutheran Church at noon.

Blanche Jeanette Rogers was born April 30, 1922 in Dallas, South Dakota to Joseph and Nellie (Anderson) Rogers. As a young child she moved with her family to Gregory where she graduated from high school. She worked as a waitress and cashier at the Corner Cafe in Gregory.

In 1942 Blanche married Elvin Zimbelman in Creighton, Nebraska and they started their family as well as managing the farm where she would cook for all the ranch hands and tended to all the animals. Elvin and Blanche continued in the business until 1976 when they retired. At that point they began spending their winters in Arizona as well as visiting Estacada. In 1992 they decided to make their permanent home in Estacada where they could be close to their son. Elvin died on July 14, 2011.

Blanche enjoyed writing letters that she would send to friends and family as well as singing and traveling.

Survivors include her son, Gil Zimbelman (Mary Ellen) of Estacada, Oregon, and one grandchild (Christina).