Blanche L. Needham, 89

Blanche L. Needham, 89, went to be with the Lord on Feb. 21, 2005, at her home in Sedro-Woolley, Wash., with her beloved family by her side.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 25, at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Pastor Richard Coursen of the First Baptist Church in Sedro-Woolley officiating. A celebration luncheon will follow at Jean and Bob's home in Sedro-Woolley.

She was born in Harris, Iowa, on Sept. 27, 1915, the daughter of Charles and Mabel Bettinger Salyards. She was one of five children. The family lived in Dover and Sandpoint, Idaho, where many memories were made and passed down to her children. She was married to Merlin P. Needham in 1933 in Newport, Wash. They moved from Sandpoint to Avery, Idaho, in 1935, then to Tacoma, Wash., in 1942. After many moves they settled in Sedro-Woolley in 1956.

Blanche was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, two sisters, husband, Merlin; and sons, Arnold and Dennis Needham. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Jean and Bob Ryan; a son, Steve Needham, all of Sedro-Woolley; a brother, Emery Salyards of Shreveport, La., 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society, Northwest Division, PO Box 19140, Seattle, WA 98109-1140 or your favorite charity.

Share memories of Blanche by signing our online guestbook at www.lemleychapel.com