Blanch I. Bennett, 86, of Minford, died Sunday, January 25, 2015 at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth with her girls by her side.

Born December 13, 1928 in Scioto County, a daughter of the late Alva and Chelsea I. (Dever) Shoemaker, she had worked for the former Marting's Department Store in Portsmouth, and was a 1946 graduate of Minford High School. She attended Rubyville Community Church, and was a member of Minford Women's Club, and Lucasville Eastern Star No. 495.

She is survived by her husband, George R. Bennett; a daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Doug Shultz of Lucasville; a granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Shellby and Rodney Vulgamore of Minford; a great granddaughter, who was the light of her life, Brylynn Chelsea Jones of Minford, a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harold and Mary Lou Bennett of Orient; a sister-in-law, Mary Helen Bennett of Minford, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Dean E. Bennett, on January 9, 1971.

Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at Rubyville Community Church with Pastor Calvin Ray Evans and Pastor Brian Baer officiating. Burial will be in Bennett Cemetery in Minford. Friends may call at Erwin-Dodson-Allen Funeral Home in Minford from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, and one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to SOMC Hospice, 2201 25th Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662 or Sierra's Haven, 80 Easter Drive, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662. Online condolences may be sent to www.edafh.com.