Blanche Mead Poe, 89, Custer, SD, died October 1, 2007 at Custer Regional Senior Care. Blanche was born May 7, 1918 in Huron, SD to Ralph Robert Mead and Mary Jane (Barnes) Mead.

Blanche attended country school for grades 1 through 8 and graduated from Wolsey High School in 1936. She graduated from Sprague School of Nursing in Huron in 1939. In 1968 she received her Batchelor of Science in Nursing, and in 1972 she received her Master of Education Degree from South Dakota State University.

Blanche had a varied career from 1939 to 1988. This included position of head nurse, school of nursing instructor, Department of Social Services medical program, Director of Nursing at Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Custer - she was instrumental in opening Colonial Manor after the June 1972 flood in Rapid City.

On November 1, 1939, Blanche married Leonard Poe in Huron. They lived in Huron for most of their married life, living for a short time in Pierre before moving to Custer.

During her lifetime Blanche was involved in several organizations including Girl Scout Leader for many years, Custer Senior Center, AARP, volunteer for Health Advocacy Services for 10 years, member of Governor's Advisory Council on Aging, and the Coalition on Aging. She also had the honor of being selected as Senior Aide to Senator Tom Daschle.

Blanche enjoyed spending time with her family and friends; bowling; knitting; embroidering; and many outdoor activities including hiking (she completed many volksmarches), swimming, water skiing, pheasant hunting, camping and berry picking.

Survivors include her two daughters, Nancy (Frank) Maynard of Hot Springs, SD, and Linda (Bill) Young of Custer, SD; four grandsons, Joe (Andrea) Fiala of Miller, SD, Jeff (Stacie) Collins of Hot Springs, SD, Jason (Susan) Maynard of Colorado Springs, CO, and Steve (Tara) Young of Savoy, IL; four granddaughters, Tracy (Stacey) Bauer of Owatonna, MN, Christy (Miles) Mettler of Champaign, IL, Kathy (Lorin) Larsen of Madison, SD, and Kim (James) Miiller of Ethan, SD, 21 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and many special friends.

Blanche was preceded in death by her father in 1945, her mother in 1977, her brother Bill in 1996 and her husband Leonard in 1989.

A time of sharing and remembrance with the family will be held at McColley's Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 4, 2007. There will also be a gathering in Huron at the First Baptist Church from 2:00 to 2:30 pm on October 6, 2007, to be followed immediately by a graveside service at Restlawn Memory Gardens south of Huron with Pastor Kenneth Hunt officiating. There will be fellowship following the graveside service at the First Baptist Church.

A memorial has been established in Blanche's name for Landover Estates in Custer.

Arrangement have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer, SD. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.