Blanche Phillips Church McConnell

Blanche McConnell, 99, of Indianapolis, IN, passed away on January 23, 2025, just a few days shy of her 100th birthday. She was born on January 28, 1925, in Downey, ID to parents, William “Bill” Phillips and Alta (Perkins) Phillips. 

Blanche was a member of the Castleton United Methodist Church, joined on December 9, 1956, also a member of The Castleton Extension Homemakers, she taught Sunday school and worked with her husband Emery with the MYF groups, also worked for the family insurance business. 

Blanche loved gardening and growing vegetables in her garden. She canned the harvest. Blanch enjoyed baking, especially chocolate cake for her great grandson. She was a tremendous mentor to her grandchildren and loved family gatherings. Blanche loved traveling, especially abroad, and was fortunate in doing so. 

 Blanche was preceded in death by her parents; 6 brothers, 1 sister and her first husband, BJ Church, 

Blanche is survived by her husband of 65 years, Emery McConnell; children, Michael McConnell, Dana (Don) Chamness, Jane Church and David Church; 7 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Two sisters, Jane Davis and Merlyn Anderson, and one brother, Drew Phillips. 

Blanche died of the same ailment as her best friend Bertha..”TOO MANY BIRTHDAYS’ 

A funeral service will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Flanner Buchanan – Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite) – 9700 Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46250. Family and friends are welcome to gather around 1pm. 

Burial will be private for the family and take place at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name may be made to Castleton United Methodist Church - 7101 Shadeland Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46250.