Blanche Detten Koetting, passed from this life on May 3, 2023. She was born at home on the farm near Amarillo, Texas, the second of 11 children, on Oct. 5, 1925, to Leo and Clara Detten. She graduated from Panhandle High School in Panhandle, Texas, in 1942, and then graduated from St. Anthony Hospital School of Nursing in Amarillo, Texas, in 1945. Blanche married Bernard John (“BJ”) Koetting in a double ring ceremony with her sister Gladys and Archie Looten at St. Francis Catholic Church, St. Francis, Texas, on Oct. 25, 1947, the 25th wedding anniversary of the girls’ parents.

Family has always been the most important aspect of Blanche’s life. She enjoyed the camaraderie of her ten siblings and their families, her extended family around St. Francis and Groom, Texas, and her own 13 children, 41 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Blanche was preceded in death by her husband, BJ; her parents; four brothers: Donald, Ralph, Floyd and Lawrence Detten; two sisters: Gladys Looten and Rose Mary Tuggle; and one grandson, Robert Hayes.

Blanche is survived by all 13 of her children: Brenda (Bob) Burns, Joyce (Dave) Balaun, Richard (Sheri) and David (Lilia) Koetting of Salina, Kansas; Barbara Prescott of Copperas Cove, Texas; Patricia (Ron) Quimby of Larned, Kansas; John (Lynette) Koetting of Newton, Kansas; Stephen (Patsy) Koetting of Houston, Texas; Keith (Monica) Koetting of South Lake, Texas; Beverly (Bill) Stark of Liebenthal, Kansas; Larry (Dana) Koetting of Panhandle, Texas; Chris (Brian) Bowles of Jefferson City, Missouri; and Jake (Kate) Koetting of Leawood, Kansas.

Surviving siblings are Anna Marie Wink of Amarillo, Texas; Alice Kuehler of Groom, Texas; Irene (Ashby) Lewis and Paul (Evelyn) Detten, both of Panhandle, Texas; and many dear nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina, with a rosary beginning at 7.

Mass of Christian Burial presided by Fr. Fred Gatschet will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 12, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, with interment to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Salina.

Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Cathedral, Catholic Charities, and Salinans For Life, care of Ryan Mortuary, Salina.