Blanche Catherine Fowler passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on June 30, 1951, Blanche lived a life marked by kindness, dedication, and a deep love for the people and animals around her. She was a gentle soul with a giving heart, and she left an impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

After graduating high school, Blanche attended Trinity University, where she began shaping the path that would become her lifelong calling. She later dedicated 30 years to teaching in both Eagle Lake and Columbus, Texas, a chapter of her life that she considered her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. Blanche approached teaching with unmatched devotion. Her sister Mary recalls that Blanche arrived at school far earlier than necessary so she could arrange her students’ desks, prepare their materials, and most importantly make the pot of coffee in the teachers’ lounge. Her classroom was more than a room—it was a place filled with warmth, creativity, and the sense of belong ing she gave her students. She loved nothing more than being a teacher.

After fulfilling the requirements to retire early, Blanche stepped away from teaching at age 51. In her later years, she enjoyed traveling on several cruises and spending her days with her cherished companion, her dog Muncie. To Blanche, Muncie was not just a pet—he was family. She cared for him with the same tenderness she gave to her students: warming his food exactly 15 seconds each night, lifting him onto the couch when he grew too round to climb, and laughing about how spoiled he became. Even after losing a leg, Muncie devoted himself to her just as she devoted herself to him, often alerting Danielle when Blanche needed help. Their bond was something truly special.

Blanche shared many stories of her childhood, especially ones about her sister Mary. One of her favorites was from when she was sixteen and failed her driver’s test. Convinced she’d never drive, she intended to give up until Mary stepped in, insisting she was going back the very next day—and she did, passing the test with Mary’s help. Blanche often said Mary was the one who should have been the “big sister,” because she always looked out for her. She loved to joke, “My sister may be the biggest pain in my rear, but she is also my biggest blessing. God knew I would need her.”

Those who knew Blanche knew she loved to talk. Whether cleaning day turned into a long conversation or lunch plans grew into an afternoon of stories, she simply enjoyed people. Over time, she created friendships that became family. Danielle, her friend and caretaker, says lunch outings, window shopping, and even big adventures—like their unforgettable Black Friday trip with Blanche riding in a wheelchair for fun-filled her later years

with laughter and companionship.

As Alzheimer’s began to take hold, Blanche faced the changes with honesty and courage. Long before the difficult days arrived, she gave Danielle a book of quotes about love and friendship— words she hoped would bring comfort in the years to come. That book became a quiet way for Blanche to speak even when her voice grew faint, each page offering a reminder of the bond she cherished.

Blanche gave with all her heart. Her smile was warm, her spirit gentle, and her love sincere. She will be remembered not only for the years she taught, the lives she touched, or the stories she shared, but for the way she made others feel—seen, valued, and deeply cared for.

The following quotes, which she chose herself, illustrate the importance of friendship to Blanche: “Even if we’re apart, I’ll always be with you.” – FRIENDS Fight for you. Respect you. Include you. Encourage you. Nourish you. Deserve you. Stand by you. "Good friends help you to find important things when you have lost them— your smile, your hope, your courage.” “Friends ask why you’re crying. Best friends already have the shovel ready to bury the one who made you cry.”

Blanche’s life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love a gift that will continue to live on in all who knew her.

She is survived by her beloved sister, Mary Fowler Strack- bein, of Mansfield, Texas. Blanche is preceded in death by her father, James Edward Fowler; her mother, Winifred Hope Robertson Fowler; her grandparents, Raymond William and Hilda Tietschert Fowler; and her brother-in-law, Howard Earl Strackbein.

Visitation was Friday, November 28, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas.

Funeral services were Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus with Pastor Alan Kethan officiating. Visitation at church was from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Burial was in Brune Cemetery in Shaws Bend, Texas. Memorials may be given to The Fowler Fund, c/o St. Paul Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 267, Columbus, TX 78934.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.

com.