Viola Blanchard

Viola Louise Blanchard, age 94 years of Niles, Michigan; mother, grandmother, sister, professional housekeeper, friend to many, and devout Christian died at 9:17 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026 with her family gathered at the Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, Michigan following a brief illness. Her family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care provided by the hospice staff.

She was born on July 14, 1932 in Buchanan, Michigan to Lester and Hazel M. (Williams) Kuhl, and was graduated from Niles High School. She was employed in hospitality all of her life, first at Kubiak’s Tavern in Niles, and then around the corner at the Stephens Motel. She later greeted patrons at the Suds Yer Duds laundromat in Niles, before beginning a career at the former Berrien General Hospital near Berrien Center, Michigan where she served for many years, using her housekeeping skills to ensure a healthy environment for the patients and safety for the staff. In Plant City, Florida, she was employed in the bakery of the famous Parkesdale Farm Market, baking “Old Fashioned Goodness” into their strawberry cookies.

In the 1970s, Viola moved to Arkansas, and later to Florida. She returned to Michigan in 1998, living in Traverse City for a few years, then back to Florida before returning to Niles in 2011.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Niles, and in Florida, was a member of the Plant City Lodge #1668, Loyal Order of the Moose where she enjoyed playing bingo. When she was younger, she was active in the bowling leagues in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and enjoyed dancing. More recently, she has enjoyed attending casinos.

She was first married to Lyle McNinch, and later to Don Sheeley. On December 17, 1972 in Delight, Arkansas, she was married to Ray Blanchard who preceded her in death. She was also sadly preceded in death by her children, Glenora “Nora” Hill, Lester McNinch, and Lois Garvin; sadly, by grandchildren, Brian Allender, Jerry Hill, Jr., Laura Allender; and by Viola’s siblings, Chuck Kuhl and Jerry Kuhl.

Surviving family includes her son, Timothy (& Chris) McNinch of Muskegon, Michigan and Elnor “Ellie” (& Larry) Lawrence of Niles; grandchildren Steve Allender, Dawn Hill, Shane Hill, Rieanna Jasper, Shaw McNinch, Erin Johnson, Andrew McNinch, Cory McNinch, Nathaniel Lawrence, Lindsey Lawrence, and Josh Lawrence; thirteen great-grandchildren; sixteen great-great-grandchildren; and Viola’s sister, Florence Alford of Niles, and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Viola Blanchard will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026 at the First Baptist Church, 1446 East Main Street in Niles, with Pastor Mark Youngberg of the church officiating. Committal will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, at the church, beginning at Noon. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles. Online condolences and memories may be shared at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Viola clearly enjoyed life, trying new jobs, moving to new places, and meeting new co-workers, neighbors, and friends. Wherever she was at, she was caring for people, and making their lives easier, and continued to do so for most of her remarkable 94 years; all evidence of following the command to love God and love people.