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2010-02-09

2010-01-19

Agriculture

Lifestyles

Thursday, November 19, 2009 10:13 PM

ROMONA JEAN BLECHA

Jean Blecha, 77, Ottawa, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, after a short hospital stay. Not having fully recovered from an initial heart attack and complications, she passed at the Ottawa Retirement Village early Wednesday morning. Prior to her illness, Jean had lived at the Ottawa Retirement Manor for 10 years and was loved by the nurses and staff.

Romona Jean Hooper was born Nov. 23, 1931, in Silven Grove, Kan., the daughter of Georgia Marie (Stehno) and Harry Joseph Hooper. After moving to Melvern, Kan., in about 1936, she spent her childhood there and graduated from Melvern High School.

Jean married Hubert Carlton Blecha Nov. 4, 1951, in Ottawa, Kan. He preceded her in death in January 1999. Jean and her husband owned and operated the Ottawa Rollerskating Rink. Jean’s most recent career was working as the Ottawa city treasurer until her retirement in December 1993. She was a member of the Eastern Star and Rebekah’s Circle and was a den mother for cub scouts for many years. She was also a member of the First United Methodist Church, Ottawa, Kan.

Some of Jean’s favorite pastimes included her gardening, bird watching, traveling, painting and spending time with her grandchildren. Another favorite for Jean was sewing. Jean also was an accomplished cook, using the fruits and vegetables from her garden.

Survivors include her son, Robert A. Blecha and his wife, Annette, of Ottawa; daughters, Gail Minnick of Olathe, Kan., and Leanne Motelet and her husband, Dennis, of Overland Park, Kan.; brothers, Errol Hooper and his wife, Shirley, Ottawa, Kan., and Gilbert Hooper and his wife, Ila, Chanute, Kan.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her daughter, Penny Lynn Wilkins in 1995.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, 2009, at Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, Ottawa, Kan. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Highland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association and sent in care of Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa KS 66067. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.lamb-roberts.com.

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ROMONA JEAN BLECHA

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article | Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article |
Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.