Blanche A. Jackson

Blanche Hallberg Jackson, 101, Indianapolis, died April 10, 2017. She was born April 19, 1915 in Hammond, IN, the daughter of Phillip and Florence Hallberg. They and her sister, Doris Rusine, preceded her in death. She graduated from Hammond High School in 1932. Her marriage to J. C. Jackson in 1938 brought her to Indianapolis, where she spent the remainder of her life. During her early marriage Blanche served a session in the Indiana State Legislature as journal clerk in the House of Representatives. Following that she served over 12 years as a secretary at the Republican State Committee, attending three national presidential conventions as a staff person. In 1953 Blanche became the executive secretary to the manager and board of directors of the Indiana State Fair, serving 27 years. During her tenure with the Fair Board she served as secretary to six successive managers. At her retirement in 1980, Governor Bowen named her a Sagamore of the Wabash. Blanche was a lifelong disciple of the Christian Church, more recently of the 7th & 8th United Christian Church. Other memberships included Crossroads Volunteer Association, the Indianapolis Symphony Women’s Committee, West Group, and Women’s Friendship Circle of the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Blanche was preceded in death by her husband, J. C. Jackson in 1989 and her niece, Donna Duell in 2000. She is survived by her niece, Dorothy Osborn and 11 great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 15 from 9-10 AM at Flanner and Buchanan- Washington Park North, 2706 Kessler Blvd. West Drive, followed by a memorial service at 10:30 AM at Robin Run Village, 5354 West 62nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46268. A graveside service will be held at 3 PM on Saturday at Oak Hill Cemetery in Riley, IN. Memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be shared with Blanche’s family online at www.flannerbuchanan.com.