Blanche Elizabeth Donnell

A "Celebration of Life" service will be held on Sunday, January 14, 2024, 3:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church in Wichita Falls. The family invites all who attend, to a reception following the service in the church atrium.

Blanche was born in Wichita Falls to Robert and Minnie (Cook) Mansell on March 18, 1933. She was a Wichitan for the majority of her lifetime. She graduated from Wichita Falls High School and then attended Midwestern (State) University. While attending college, she married R. Shirley Donnell, Jr. After many years of raising children, she discovered her true passion in real estate. She became a licensed realtor in 1976 and a licensed broker in 1978. She married Roland McClelland in 1982. Blanche Donnell joined Bill and Bobby Rowland to form Rowland and Donnell Homes and Real Estate. Blanche was recognized and awarded numerous times throughout her career including serving as president of the Wichita Falls Association of Realtors in 1990 and voted "Realtor of the Year" in 1990 by her peers. She served tirelessly as a member of TREPAC, the Texas Association of Realtors Political Action Committee in Austin, TX from 1993-1995.

In addition to her successful career, Blanche was involved in many community organizations. She was on the Hospice of Wichita Falls Board of Directors and served as president in 1991. She was also on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity and Faith Mission. Blanche was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Wichita Falls. She shared her beautiful voice in the choir and held several leadership roles including elder and deacon. What she is most known/loved for is her 20 years of dedicated teaching of the fourth grade Sunday school class.

Blanche was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Bobbie Flatt, and her husband Roland McClelland. She is survived by her son Kenneth Donnell of Greenville, CA, her daughter Debbie (Bobby) Rowland of lowa Park, her daughter Carol (Steve) of Godley, TX. and her daughter Sara Donnell Cox of Wichita Falls. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Bobby (Nikki) Rowland, James (Mindy) Rowland, Graig (Stephanie) Fancher, Kelly (Nolan) Whisenhunt, Owen Donnell, Martin Donnell, Josh Wall, and Ryan Wall as well as 12 great grandchildren. Blanche was loved by many and her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Presbyterian Manor or Hospice of Wichita Falls.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Presbyterian Manor and especially their Healthcare unit as well as Hospice of Wichita Falls for the love and care for our sweet mother.