Blanche E. Newman, 97, Northwood, ND and formerly of Sawyer, died Monday, August 9, 2010 in a Northwood Nursing Care Center.

Blanche was born December 24, 1912 on the family farm in Willis Township of Ward County, ND., the daughter of Frank and Christina (Taylor) Long. She was raised on the family farm and educated at country schools near Sawyer. She graduated from Sawyer High School in 1930 and received her standard teaching certificate from Minot State Teacher's College.

Blanche taught at country schools in Willis Township until she was united in marriage to Ralph Newman on June 25, 1936 at Minot. They made their home on a farm in Willis Township, where along with raising their children they farmed for more than 45 years. They spent a number of winters at Mesa, Arizona, where Blanche enjoyed her new hobby of oil painting. Ralph died March 20, 1984. Blanche moved to Minot in 1997, and then moved to Grand Forks in 1999. She had been a resident of the Northwood Nursing Care Center since 2005.

Blanche was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ, Minot, where she volunteered in a number of capacities throughout the years. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and traveling.

Her loving family includes : Daughters, Lois (Jack) Liffrig, Larimore, ND, Judi (Mel) Barsness, Olympia, WA; Grandchildren: Cory (Leslie) Liffrig, Troy (Lisa) Liffrig, Lynae (Kevin) Sundre, Stephanie (Mike) Wyman and Staci Barsness; Ten Great-Grandchildren; Sister: Gladys Edward, Plaza, ND.

Blanche was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ralph, son, Robert and brother, Burnell.

Funeral service: Friday, August 13, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in the Congregational United Church of Christ, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Thursday from 5:00-7:00pm in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot, and Friday two hours prior the service in the church.