Blanche Swinburn Hargrave

Celebrating the Life of Blanche Swinburn Hargrave January 22, 1918 - October 19, 2015 Blanche Swinburn Hargrave was born on January 22, 1918 in Freestone County Texas. She met and married her husband, Austen Jesse Hargrave, and enjoyed 64 years of marriage until his death in 2002. She was predeceased by her parents, a brother, Scott, and three sisters, Dorothy, Georgia and Kathryn. Also predeceasing her were her eldest son, Gilbert Hargrave, her only daughter, Fanci Cran Williams, a grandson, David Cran, and two granddaughter, Cindy Hargrave, and her daughter-in-law Anne Hargrave. Surviving Blanche are her sons and their wives, Paul and Kathy Hargrave of Dallas, Mack and Shari Hargrave of Glen Rose, and granddaughter, Jennifer Cran Voss, who she raised from the age of five and considered a daughter. Blanche also leaves numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends to cherish her memory. Blanche was the life of the party and the glue to her family, always setting the example of her strong Christian values, her steadfast loyalty and support of her family and friends, and her contagious love of life and good cheer. Blanche had many hobbies and excelled at all her endeavors. She loved her Bible study, gardening, cooking, sewing, playing bridge, visiting with friends, and learning new things. In her 50s, she attended college and became a computer programmer for the City of Dallas. At 90, she organized a swimming group where she supplied and led them in regular water gun fights. At the age of 92, she took up crocheting. Even at the age of 97, Blanche insisted on using the stairs, rather than the elevator, to access her second floor apartment because she felt climbing the stairs was good exercise for her. Blanche and Austen were 60+ year members of White Rock United Methodist Church. Blanche was active in many church activities and held leadership positions in her Sunday school class, United Methodist Women and many other organizations. Until June of this year, she volunteered part-time in the Church office answering telephones and helping with other clerical duties. Blanche was a loving mother, grand-mother and great grand-mother and a dear friend to many. To say she led an active lifestyle hardly covers it. At the time of her death she was a member of four different bridge groups, was learning to play Texas Hold'em Poker and was living completely independently. Everyone who knew her marveled at her vitality and vigor. She will be sorely missed and long cherished.