Blanche Dorsella Thornton was born September 11, 1917 at Plummer, MN daughter of the late Alvin and Pauline (Storman) Thornton. She was raised and educated in the Plummer area. On October 19, 1933 she was united in marriage to Franklin Brown at Red Lake Falls, MN. The couple farmed in the Plummer area and Blanche worked in her home doing custom laundry for people, she also made and sold rugs. In 1967 they moved into Thief River Falls and she worked at Valley Home until her retirement in 1984.

She enjoyed making rugs, embroidery and working crossword puzzles. She was a member of the Presbyterian Ladies Aid at church.

She is survived by her children Don (Lee) Brown of Thief River Falls, MN; Jerald (Bonnie) Brown of Thief River Falls, MN; Sandy (Russ) Landrus of Thief River Falls, MN and Dale (Emma) Brown of Thief River Falls, MN. 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren. Brothers and sisters Eldora Hovde of Barnsville, MN; Shirley Helle of Bagley, MN; Marion Helmer of St. Louis Park, MN Clinton Thornton of Baker, MN and Alvin Thornton Jr. of E. Grand Forks, MN; many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Franklin on July 3, 1997; one infant daughter, infant grandson and infant great granddaughter Brandy. 2 brothers Richard Thornton and Maurice Thornton, 3 sisters Melva Helle, Maxine Finke and Marjorie Zavoral.