Blanche Davis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed peacefully into the eternal arms of her Lord and Savior on May 8, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield. For seventy-eight glorious years, Blanche made the world a much better place. She was the twelfth child born to James and Essie (Jones) Rowden on Thursday, June 21, 1945, which happened to be the first day of summer. Except for a short while in Crocker, Blanche was raised in Strafford and attended Strafford High School. Shortly after high school, Blanche was united in marriage to the love of her life, Dale Davis, on June 21, 1962, also the first day of summer. Blanche and Dale shared sixty-two wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with two loving children, Ronda and Larry.

Blanche was a woman who exemplified Christian values, she lived in accordance to Biblical teachings, and her faith in the Lord was unshakable. One of her proudest moments was when she, Dale, Ronda, and Larry were all baptized together at Berean Baptist Church more than fifty years ago. Blanche ensured that the foundation of her home and her hope was, in the words of an old hymn, “built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”

Blanche loved spending time being a homemaker and supporting her two children throughout their school years. She thoroughly enjoyed being a second mom to many of her children’s friends. Blanche never once regretted being a homemaker and stay-at-home mom. After her children were out of school, Blanche worked for five years as a housekeeper at the Super 8 Motel in Strafford. After that, she worked for another five years as a housekeeper at the Strafford Care Center. While working at the Strafford Care Center, Blanche meticulously addressed her duties while making countless friends along the way. When not tending to her home and children, Blanche liked to sew, knit, and crochet. She was also a talented singer who spent a lot of time singing gospel music with her side of the Rowden family. She was also an avid fan of the television series Gunsmoke and Frances and Friends. More than anything else, Blanche simply loved to spend time with her family, watch Dale grow beautiful flowers, and eat his delicious homecooked meals. She also took great pride in helping her grandchildren expand their vocabulary!

Blanche was preceded in death by her parents, James and Essie Rowden; six brothers; and five sisters. She is survived by her husband and soulmate, Dale Davis; daughter, Ronda Davis; son, Larry Davis and his wife, Nancy; three grandchildren: Andrea Brower and her husband, Justin, Zach Davis and his wife, Ashton, Blake Davis and his wife, Madeliene; four great-grandchildren: Ely Brower, Ava Brower, Weston Davis, and Loretta Davis; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. While Blanche came from a large family, she loved her family on the Davis side just as much as her own family on the Rowden side. Blanche will be remembered for her unconditional love, her heart-felt kindness, her motherly tenderness, and, of course, her fun-loving sense of humor. Her legacy will undoubtedly live forever in the hearts and minds of those she touched.

The Davis family will host a visitation on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. A funeral service to celebrate the incredible life of Blanch Davis will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 10:00 am, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, with Pastor Jacob Brower officiating. Following her service, Blanche will be laid to rest in Panther Valley Cemetery. There will be a formal procession from the funeral home to the cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield, Missouri.

“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelations 2:10