Our dear mother, Blanche Marie Garhart passed away on August 2, 2016, at the age of 88.

She is now with her Savior Jesus Christ and beloved husband John, who died July 6, 1995. She had been living with her youngest daughter and son-in-law in Fort Worth, Texas at the time of her death. Since 2007 Blanche lived in Portland, OR and Fort Worth, TX. Prior to that she
resided in Spearfish, SD.

Blanche was born July 15, 1928 in Red Oak, Iowa to George and Hazel Jones. Her childhood years were spent in Red Oak and Council Bluffs, Iowa. She later moved with her family to Carthage, South Dakota where she graduated from high school in 1945. In her high school years she was active in jazz band, marching band, choir, cheerleading and class leadership.

She met and married Sherman Torgerson and lived in Carthage until 1952. They then moved to the Lead/Deadwood area. They had five children who she is survived by. Blanche was very active in her children's school and sports activities as they grew up Deadwood. She was a scout leader, a parent sponsor for swimming teams, cheerleading teams, served on the Recreation Center Board and in church activities.

On April 30, 1967 she was married to John M. Garhart of Spearfish, where they made their home. In 1970, Blanche and John welcomed a son, Eldon J. Garhart to their blended family. They worked together in John's logging and timber operations until they retired in 1989. In their retirement years they enjoyed traveling and playing golf with their friends and family. Blanche, along with her late husband, were members and strong supporters of Black Hills State University Alumni Association. Blanche was a member of the Spearfish Kiwanis, volunteered with the Red Cross and for the Board of Elections.

Blanche is survived by her six children, Sam (Aleta) Torgerson, Douglas, WY; Sherry Torgerson, Portland, OR; Stephanie Rada, Olathe,KS, Dr. Ramona (Dr. Michael) Cosgrove, Fort Worth, TX; Steve (Linda) Torgerson, Belle Fourche, SD; and Eldon (Anji) Garhart, Ashby, MA. She is also survived by her brother, Daryl Jones, Pawnee, NE; stepson, Marty Garhart, Powell, WY; stepdaughter, Jody Olsen, Hillsboro, OR.; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Blanche was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and a brother, Eldon Jones.

Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Monday, August 15, 2016 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish, SD. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at Calvary Temple Assembly of God Church, 240 W. Hwy 14, Spearfish, SD 57783. Interment will be at Black Hills National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may made be made to the John M. Garhart Athletic Scholarship at BHSU and the Huntington's Disease Society of America.