Alma Blessing

Alma M. Blessing was truly a beautiful woman, inside and out. She purposely looked for ways to give to others, always thinking of their needs before her own. Her sense of humor and easy manner won her many friends who considered it a privilege to know her. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who did everything she could to support and encourage her loved ones.

In the tumultuous early years of the twentieth century, John and Rose (Boehle) Robers had their hands full in their home near Cincinnati as they worked hard to provide their children with a safe, loving home. Soon after the United States became actively involved in World War I, John and Rose learned that they were expecting another child. The fifth of what would eventually be nine children, Alma was born on April 24, 1918. The Robers’ house was already filled to the brim when little Alma arrived, but no walls could limit the amount of love that home held. They even invited other children to live with them, those who had lost their own families.

The house provided the Robers children with sweet memories of days gone by, days when kids could still be kids. Alma and her siblings spent countless hours swimming on hot summer days. Alma loved to read and she would sometimes skip out on chores to go to the library with her best friend Rose or to take a dip in the community pool.

Alma’s mother was a piano teacher and her father a barber. Despite busy schedules, they always made time for family, including “concerts” with Alma’s father on drums and her mother playing the piano. Since four siblings followed her, Alma had the opportunity to learn about babies and pitching in to get things done around the house. She never forgot the birth of her twin sisters. When the doctor came to the home to help deliver the babies, Alma was concerned about the size of his satchel, certain that it was too small for him to put both the babies inside.

When Alma was an older teen, her father served as choir director in their church. One day, he invited the boys’ choir over after practice for refreshments and required his daughters to be there to serve their guests. Alma wasn’t expecting to meet the love of her life that day, but young Norbert Blessing, the son of a family friend, was one of the members of the choir. He and Alma hit it off and on May 1, 1937, they exchanged vows, beginning a journey together that lasted over fifty years.

Norb provided for the family by working as the manager of Tool & Die at General Motors. In the mid 1960s, Norb’s job with GM moved the Blessings to Portage where Alma and Norb became charter members of St. Catherine of Siena Church. Alma managed their home and worked hard raising their six precious children, Buck, Bernie, Chris, Laurie, Dot, and Anita. She was always proud of her family and supported the children in their endeavors. She felt honored to be the first employee hired at Don’s Card Hut in Southland Mall and also volunteered for coffee and doughnuts time at the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek. A patriotic and grateful citizen, Alma was happy to help the veterans and she also volunteered at her local voting precinct. She did make time for herself, usually by going shopping, and her family said that she gave the term “retail therapy” a whole new meaning.

She and Norb built a wonderful partnership, demonstrating sacrifice and unselfishness to their children as they always put the needs of others before their own. Norb took Alma with him whenever he invited business clients out to dinner. She was a good conversationalist and made people feel relaxed and comfortable.

In 1992, Alma and the rest of the family suffered a severe blow when Norbert passed away. After all those years, it was difficult to adjust to life without him, but Alma took comfort in her loved ones and kept herself busy with the neighbor ladies.

Alma never lost her sense of humor. When she was given a cow valve as a replacement valve in her heart, she got a kick out of telling everyone that she was part cow. She even researched the life expectancy of cows so she would know how long she could expect her valve to last. She was delighted when her family started calling her “Al-moo.”

Nothing made Alma as happy as time with her loved ones. She always looked forward to the annual family vacation, usually held at a cabin or resort suited for families. She treasured every moment, taking the time to play checkers with her grandkids, teach them card games like her favorite, canasta, or just chat about life.

Alma suffered a fractured hip after a fall and her health took a turn for the worse. Even while she was being cared for, she continued to think about the needs of others. Through all of life’s challenges, she maintained her Christian faith and her love for her family. Her devotion will continue to shine as an example for all who follow.

Alma died on Monday, October 29, 2007, at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Members of her family include her children, Buck Blessing (Joan) of North Carolina, Bernie Blessing (Carol) of Detroit, Chris Stehlin (Norman) of Ohio, Laurie Hyatt (Bill) of Ohio, Dot Blessing of Portage, and Anita Sielatycki (Gary) of Portage; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; her sisters, Eleanor Robers, Margaret Artmayer, and Sr. Rosemary Robers S.C., all of Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. Her husband, Norbert G. Blessing, preceded Alma in death in 1992.

Visit with Alma’s family on Monday, November 5, from 10 - 11 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 1150 W Centre Street, Portage, where Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Please visit Alma’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory or photo, sign her online guest register, or learn how to make a memorial donation to St. Catherine of Siena Church or St. Rita’s School for the Deaf.