Monroe mourns Blanch Trimble
Special to Jobe Publishing
After 86 years of life and many decades of serving the community through many organizations, Blanche Trimble died last Tuesday, June 14.
Blanche Trimble, born Blanche Bushong, was a native of Monroe County. She was born on August 29, 1935, to the late Ronald and Grace (Marshall) Bushong.
She was a 1952 graduate of Tompkinsville High School and a 1956 graduate of the University of Kentucky. She was an International Farm Youth Exchange program participant, living in Japan for over six months in families’ homes.
In May of 1974, Blanche married Joe Morris Trimble of Lexington, who preceded her in death on August 1, 1991. Prior to returning to Tompkinsville in 1976, she worked for Kentucky Farmer magazine, Progressive Farmer magazine, and the University of Kentucky. She was the co-owner/operator of Monroe County Press, Inc. and publisher of the Tompkinsville News since 1976.
Her dedication to the community and the ways in which she enhanced her hometown were practically endless.
Blanch was very involved in the community, helping to start such organizations as the Monroe County Arts Council, the Monroe County Historical Society, and was a founding member of the Monroe County Watermelon Festival Committee. She was also devoted to such community endeavors as the Historical Society Museum, the William B. Harlan Memorial Library, the Monroe County Wellness Center, Relay for Life, and the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. She was a member of the Kentucky 4-H Hall of Fame and received the key to the City of Tompkinsville for her dedication to the betterment of the city. She was also a member of the Tompkinsville United Methodist Church.
Private graveside services and burial were held at sunset on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. A public memorial and celebration of her life will be held on her birthday, August 29, 2022, with details to follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Monroe County Historical Society or the William B. Harlan Memorial Library and can be directed to the organization or left at the Bartley & Sons Funeral Home.
