OGDEN, Iowa—Claudette Lillian Blevins, 82, entered her Heavenly Home on April 8, 2023, anchored to Jesus, and comforted by family both present and through many calls, video messages, and prayers.
Claudette was born on July 27, 1940, the daughter of Claude and Esther Ferrell, in Valley Falls, Kansas. She grew up on the family dairy farm along with her 7 siblings, where they learned the value of hard work and the importance of family. Claudette graduated from Valley Falls High School and then pursued a career at Blue Cross Blue Shield in Topeka. There she met the love of her life, Jack Blevins. They spent the next 50 years together raising their 3 girls and being superfans for their daughters and eventually grandchildren at many of their sporting events until Jack’s death in 2014. When Claudette’s girls were born she chose to be a fulltime Mom which she would say was her most treasured accomplishment. Mom also chose to welcome and encourage women in her home as a Beeline Fashion consultant and obtained her realtor license. In her later years, she worked for the Jefferson County Health Department and the Topeka Public Schools. Claudette loved to work outside in her flower beds and kept all of her houseplants happy. As a young woman she sewed most of her own clothes and was known for her breadmaking skills. Her cinnamon rolls were a way she welcomed us home and showed love and support to others. Claudette coined the phrase, “Bloom Where You Are Planted” way before it was a popular saying. That was her way of inspiring us to be grateful and flourish wherever life may take us, and to grow through tough circumstances.
Claudette was a woman of faith and loved Jesus with all of her heart. She lived out her faith by showing compassion and service to family, neighbors and friends. After her husband’s death, Claudette moved to Ogden, Iowa to live with her youngest daughter and family. There she found community, worshiping at Water’s Edge Church, enjoying Bible study, and having coffee dates with her dear friends Rose and Lorraine.
Claudette was preceded in death by her husband Jack, her parents Claude and Esther Ferrell, and her younger sister Mary Louise Wyckoff, step-son Rick Blevins, infant great-grandson Arlo Smith, and most recently, on April 5, 2023, her brother Clifford Ferrell.
Survivors include her daughters, Kim (Mike) Van Sickle of Letts, Iowa, Lisa (Matt) Bohm of Topeka, Kansas, Mindy (Mike) Wagner of Ogden, Iowa, Step-sons, Greg (Patty) Blevins of Phillips, Maine, Brett Blevins of Witchita, Kansas, 18 grandchildren who live all over the country,16 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Karen Ferrell, siblings Shirley Azar, Al (Barb)Ferrell, Bernard (Sylvia)Ferrell, and David (Debbie) Ferrell and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Water’s Edge Church, Ogden, Iowa on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. All are invited to stay for a reception afterward. There will be a graveside service in Topeka, Kansas at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations in Claudette Blevins name to: EveryStep Hospice, 3000 Easton Blvd., Des Moines, Iowa, 50317.
Carson-Stapp Funeral Home in Ogden has been entrusted with arrangements. For online obituaries and condolences, please visit: www.carsonstappfuneralhome.com
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