ROTHEL, Blanche: August 6, 1921 - February 5, 2015. BLANCHE MILDRED ROTHEL passed away on February 5, 2015 at the Haven Hill Retirement Centre in Penticton. She was born on August 6, 1921 in Princeton, BC, third child and first daughter of Benjamin and Blanche Paul. Blanche graduated from high school in 1939 and attended normal school in Victoria before taking up teaching in the Crowsnest Pass. There she met her future husband Blake Rothel, with whom she would be together until his passing in 2003. They took up residence in Lethbridge, Alberta where Blanche would continue a teaching career that lasted 42 years. Blanche earned her Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta in 1962 and a Bachelor of Arts and Science from the University of Lethbridge in 1972. She was a professional educator who contributed many years of service to the Alberta Teachers' Association. Her former students will remember Mrs. Rothel for the high expectations she set for them. Upon retirement, Blanche and Blake moved to Summerland, BC and then later to Penticton. Blanche was a world traveller whose early adventures included hitchhiking across Canada with a girlfriend. Blanche enjoyed recreational activities such and hiking, curling and dancing. She was a member of the Circle Square Dance Club in Lethbridge and even took up belly dancing. Blanche appreciated music and loved many musical styles. She took drawing and photography classes and will be missed by her many friends in the Summerland Camera Club with whom she shared many outings and shows. Blanche believed in helping those less fortunate and was a generous contributor to many charities. She was polite, helpful and fair in her interactions with people but she could also be strong and determined when fighting for a cause. She will be remembered for her humility and compassion as well as for her determination and integrity. Blanche is survived by her brother Wally Paul (Shirley) and sisters Myrtle McCord, Judy McCord and Sylvia Eubanks and by 22 nieces and nephews and their children. Her brothers Manson, Carl, Noel and Dudley predeceased her. Her ashes have been interred beside those of her husband Blake in the Lakeview Cemetery in Penticton. We would like to thank everyone at Interior Health and the Penticton Regional Hospital as well as the staff at Summerland Senior Village and at Haven Hill Retirement Centre for their wonderful care and support. A celebration of Blanche's life was held at her brother Wally's home in Vernon and attended by family and friends.
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