April 1, 1947 — January 13, 2024
Blanche Marie Lane, age 76, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at UC Health in Aurora, Colo., with her loving family by her side. Blanche Marie Lane was born in Modesto, California, on April 1, 1947, to Robert and Viola (Anderson) Neal.
Blanche graduated from Littleton High School in 1965 and went on to attend UNC Greeley in Colorado, graduating in 1969 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She married Wayne Lane in 1967. In 1969 Wayne was drafted into the US Army where he was stationed in Nuremberg, Germany. There the couple welcomed their firstborn son Gaelen. After Wayne's discharge, the family returned to the United States, settling in Englewood, Colorado. This is where Blanche received her first elementary teaching job at South Elementary.
Blanche had always had a passion for education and teaching children. Blanche taught 1st grade at South until moving to Elizabeth, Colorado, where she continued to teach 1st grade at Elizabeth Elementary until 1976 when they welcomed their second-born daughter Pamela. In 1980, the family purchased their family farm in Byers, Colorado. In the following years, the Lane family embraced managing their family farm and establishing a custom farming and harvesting business, traveling across Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado. Blanche spent her time working for the business and raising their two children. They continued to custom farm and harvest for over 38 years.
During this time she was always inspired to go back to education and her love of teaching children. Blanche fed her desire to be involved in education by becoming a substitute teacher for the four closest school districts to Byers. She became the go-to substitute for several teachers from Bennett to Deer Trail and fulfilled many long-term sub positions throughout the years. Kids were drawn to Blanche and she to them; she never judged them and always believed they could do anything they aspired to. The toughest kids would fall in love with her and her kind heart as she never gave up on anyone. She believed every kid had the right to a good education and she fought for them.
As her own children grew older and she had more time, Blanche went back to school to further her education earning her Master's Degree in Special Education from Adams State College. She also ran for and was elected to the Byers School Board where she served for 12 years doing her best to help ensure and create a great learning environment for the Byers Community. She was a Special Ed teacher in Deer Trail, Brighton, and Aurora School districts until she retired in 2006. After retiring, she would sub from time to time, but ultimately her focus shifted and she would spend her time following her grandkids around to all of their activities. She was their #1 fan up to the week of her passing. She would go to every event she could. She loved them all dearly and was extremely proud of all their accomplishments. Blanche, our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, will be deeply missed.
Blanche is survived by her husband Wayne Lane; loving son Gaelen Lane and daughter-in-law Susan Lane of Morrill, NE; beloved daughter Pamela Hawkins and son-in-law Josh Hawkins of Brighton, CO; grandchildren Coby Lane, Ryley Lane, Baliegh Lane, Lane Hawkins, Abigail Hawkins, Cooper Hawkins and Madilyn Hawkins; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Viola Neal; brother Douglas Neal; and grandson Tyler Lane.
Services to celebrate Blanche's life will be held at 11 am on January 27, 2024, at Mountain View Fellowship, 1955 Headlight Rd, Strasburg, CO 80136.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations or memorials to be sent to: Blanche Lane Memorial Fund https://gofund.me/a518316b
