Blanche Elizabeth (Croddy) Hollars

Blanche Elizabeth (Croddy) Hollars, age 94, moved to Heaven on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010. Born on June 15, 1916, in Rushville, Ind., she was the daughter of Ezra B. and Ethel F. (Hardwick) Croddy. Blanche lived a full and expansive life of leadership and loving people. She served as Worthy Matron of the Cumberland Eastern Star and demonstrated her love for God by teaching many different levels of Sunday School, as well as serving as president of the Indiana Baraca Philathea (an organization of Sunday School classes). She also led a 4-H club and was president of the PTO. She was a member of the Greenfield Calvary Baptist Church. Blanche loved Sanibel Island, Fla., and was a gifted and award winning artist that created and taught shell craft on the island for many years. Visitors to Sanibel were often given a tour of the old buildings on the island by Blanche. She knew the history of Sanibel and loved sharing her experiences there. Her life reflected her inner beauty. One could visit her home on a summer day and see freshly cut flowers on her table and hear classical music filling the air. Another joyful experience was in the 1950's when Blanche and her husband were invited to square dance on television several times. Her career was highlighted by becoming the first woman in Hancock County to pass the Real Estate Brokers exam. She owned an insurance agency and operated one of the first real estate agencies that primarily focused on Hancock County. She and her husband built some 87 homes in Hancock County. She was the widow of William Everett Hollars; and is survived by two sons, Albert Toth and Bill Hollars; three daughters, Diana Martin, Betty Phillips and Ruth Hooker; a sister, Mary Louise Wittman; and a long line of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Alice Wyrick; and brothers, Morris and Jim Croddy. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 9, 2010, at Erlewein Mortuary in Greenfield, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Roger Kinion will be officiating. Burial will follow at New Palestine Cemetery in New Palestine. The family greatly appreciates the love and concern shown by the staff at Springhurst Health Campus and Hancock Regional Hospital. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Blanche to Calvary Baptist Church, 1450 W. Main Street Greenfield, Indiana 46140. Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to [email protected].