Blanche G. Pearson, 79, formerly of Cutler and Kokomo, died at 1 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, at Milner Community Health Care Center, Rossville, where she had resided the past two years. She had been in ill health for a week.

Born April 21, 1930, in Rocky Hill, Ky., she was the daughter of Russell and Agnes Butts. She graduated from Mount Peyler High School. On Oct. 25, 1952, in Kokomo, she married Ralph W. Pearson, who preceded her in death on July 12, 1993.

A homemaker, Mrs. Pearson had previously been employed at the Cutler General Store.

In the early 1950s she played on one of the first professional women's basketball teams, the Rochester Redheads.

She enjoyed knitting, cooking and gardening.

Surviving are four sons, Tony W. Pearson (companion: Trudy Guenther) of Kokomo, Tom Pearson (wife: Teresa) of Cutler, Tim Pearson (companion: Jennifer Miller) of Michigantown, and Ted Pearson (companion: Kathy) of Lenoir City, Tenn.; a daughter, Trenia LaRose (husband: Jonathan) of Fort Wayne; a brother, Dan Gibson (wife: Phyllis) of Kokomo; four granddaughters, Maggie Cornman, Katie Pearson, Samantha Lewis and Macayla LaRose; and two great-grandchildren, R.J. and Maylynn Cornman.

She was preceded in death by a grandson, Jeff Pearson, and five brothers, Roger Gibson, Robert Gibson, Ed Gibson, Junior Gibson and John Gibson.

Services will be held at 6 p.m. today, Wednesday, at Baker Funeral Home, Flora (www.bakerfh.com). Inurnment will be held at a later date at Ball Hill Cemetery near Cutler. Visitation will be prior to the service from 2 to 6 p.m.