Blanche Elizabeth Hileman (Claypool), 98, of Kittanning went to her eternal home with the Lord on Tuesday, October 22.  She was born on September 22, 1926, to William and Pearl Claypoole.  She married her husband of 63 years, Ronald Hileman, on June 3, 1949.  The two had their son, Raymond Hileman, on August 27, 1960.  Blanche worked several jobs, most notably working at Alltel, where she retired from.

Blanche loved travelling.  She took many family vacations, including Gettysburg, North Pole NY, Lancaster, Washington D.C., Bermuda, and the Bahamas, to name a few.  Later in life, she took many bus trips to destinations from Tennessee to Florida.  She would mention different times about a trip she took to Hawaii.

More than vacationing, Blanche loved entertaining family and friends.  She and her sister, Hazel, would alternate hosting Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter lunches.  Blanche especially loved Christmas, and would decorate Christmas trees in different rooms throughout her house.  The Nativity was always displayed in the living room, with the wisemen still journeying in the den.

Blanche lived a faith-filled life, having been a lifelong member of Center Hill Church of the Brethren, where she served as a Sunday School teacher for many years, and would go to Church of the Brethren annual conferences different years.

Blanche was preceded in death by her parents, William and Pearl Claypool; sister, Hazel Armrose; an infant sister; husband, Ronald Hileman; and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Hileman. She is survived by her son, Raymond Hileman; grandchildren, Nathan Hileman (Amanda), Kristen Pritts and Matthew Hileman (Alex); great-grandchildren, Aspen and Nolan Pritts; and niece, Carolyn Snyder.

Friends will be received on Thursday October 24, 2024 from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home in Kittanning.  A funeral service will be held on Friday October 25, 2024 at the Center Hill Covenant Brethren Church at 11:00 A.M. with additional visitation from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service.  Burial will be in the Center Hill Church Cemetery.