I spoke today to one of Blanche's close friends and he has confirmed that Blanche Mericle, age 96, passed away yesterday, Friday, January 2, 2014 while being treated for respiratory issues. Services for Blanche are scheduled for Tuesday in Belleville, MI at the David C Brown Funeral Home. No graveside services are planned at this time owing to the forcasted inclement weather.
Personally, I am saddened to learn of her passing. In 1964, she and her husband Ken started the Seaway Region and for nearly the next 50 years, they, and after Ken passed away she, ran the Seaway meets. I recall as a lad riding in our 54K to the shows with my father and while the number of people and cars attending had fallen off in later years, her enthusiam for the club did not.
She will be missed.