Beatrice 'Artie Marie Blake

Jan. 19, 1906 - Jan. 17, 2007

Beatrice "Artie" Marie Blake of McCook died in her home at Highland Park on Wednesday (Jan. 17, 2007).  She was 100 years old.

She was born Jan. 19, 1906, in Indianola to Henry Theodore and Anna Marie (Jensen) Lang.  She attended rural school south of Indianola.

On Sept. 25, 1924, she married Vernon M. Blake at Oberlin.  Together they raised three children.  They farmed south of Indianola and in 1943, moved to Danbury and operated a restaurant until the end of World War II.  From there they moved to McCook and owned and operated the Hiway Cafe.  She later worked at Fords' Jewelry for 22 years, retiring in 1988.

Her hobby was baking and sharing with her friends.  She enjoyed her life at Highland Park and loved all the residents that lived there, especially the manager, Renee.

She was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women's Society and volunteered at the Helping Hands Thrift Shop.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Henry and Anna Lang; her husband, Vernon Blake in 1976; one brother, Thuren Lang; and two sisters, Lela Lehn and Bessie Loux.

Survivors include her two daughters, Delores and husband, Robert Henton of McCook and Charlene and husband, Richard Loukota of Thornton, Colo.; one son, Richard Blake of McCook; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; many relatives; and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in her name to Memorial United Methodist Women's Society.

Visitation is today until 5 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. -- 8 p.m.  Friends may go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences.

Funeral services will be Saturday, 11 a.m., at Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Jeff Thurman officiating.  Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.