Blanche D. Redd, 91, of Idaho Falls, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2017, at her home of congestive heart failure.  She was surrounded by her family and under the care of Hospice of Eastern Idaho.

Blanche was born September 5, 1926, to James Blaine Keefer and Hannah Elna Dehlin Keefer in Idaho Falls. She came into this world as a middle child and the only girl, with two older and three younger brothers. She attended local schools and graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1944. On December 24, 1944, she married David Russell Redd. Together, they made their home in Idaho Falls and raised four children.

Blanche started working for AT&T during the Second World War, and continued until the local office was closed over 35 years later.  She was active in many community   organizations and often volunteered to serve in leadership positions. She was an accomplished Bridge player, and many of the friends she met through Bridge brought her cheer and companionship in her later years.

Throughout her early life, Blanche was surrounded by siblings, cousins, and her many aunts and uncles. Her family heritage included the acceptance of others, fierce independence, unconditional love, hard work, and the pioneer spirit. She had a restless mind, and loved to read and learn. Blanche passed those same qualities to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She became the center of a very close family, and all were drawn to her love and very special spirit. She made friends easily, and maintained many warm friendships throughout her life. Blanche also had a remarkable memory, and up to her passing could still clearly remember detailed stories about the early history and residents of Idaho Falls and the surrounding area.

Blanche is survived by her daughter, Laurel Anne Redd and son, David Paul Redd, both of Idaho Falls: grandsons: James Michael Thiessen of McMinnville, Ore and Aaron John Redd (Lisa) of Madison, WI; granddaughter Darcie Marie Hyde of Vale, Oregon; great-grandchildren: Derek Hyde, Alexandra Hyde, Jacob Hyde, Conner Hyde and Caitlyn Hyde of Vale, Oregon; great-grandchildren: Kenneth Redd and Muriel Redd of Madison, WI; and brother, Hal Ray Keefer of Idaho Falls, as well as nieces and nephews.

Blanche was preceded in death by her parents, husband, David; son, John Russell Redd; daughter, Joyce Marie Redd, and four brothers: James "J.B." Keefer, Robert Keefer, and twins Keith Keefer and Kenneth Keefer, she was also preceded in death by three nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Senior Citizens Community Center, 535 W. 21st Street, Idaho Falls, Idaho.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, November 17, 2017, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Private services will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com .