At her request, no public services will be held for Georgia Ruth Blanchard, 71, of Coos Bay. Private inurnment will be held at Sunset Memorial Park in Coos Bay.
Georgia was born April 27, 1947 in North Bend to George and Naomi (Neil) Blanchard. She passed away January 1, 2019 in Coos Bay.
Georgia grew up in the Coquille area; graduating high school in 1965. She belonged to Faith Lutheran Church and was a church organist for 35 years; five years in Coquille and thirty years in North Bend. She also played the organ for many weddings, funerals and other special events.
Georgia married Bob Lehto in 1965 and together they had three sons. She worked as a certified medication aid for Life care Center for about 20 years, volunteered at Bangor Elementary School, and was a Cub Scout den leader for five years.
During her free time, Georgia loved gardening, rock collecting, and camping with her sons.
The entire family was devastated over the sudden death of Georgia’s son, Bobby in 1990, when he was only 21 years of age. Due to this tragic loss, she started a support group to help others going through similar situations, called “Compassionate Friends”.
She was caring and loving and will be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Memorial contributions under Georgia’s name may be made to the Boys and Girls Club, 3333 Walnut Avenue, Coos Bay, OR 97420.
She is survived by her sons, Bill Lehto and wife, Marcy of Coos Bay, Retired Army Sergeant, Andrew Lehto of North Bend; granddaughters, Alexandria Sandgran and husband, Army Sergeant Brett Sandgran of Kentucky, and Nicole Lehto of North Bend; grandsons, Trevor Lehto of Coos Bay and James Lehto of North Bend; great-grandson, Chase Sandgreen of Kentucky; great-granddaughter, Paisley Elizabeth Marie Dodge; brother, Neil Blanchard and wife, Deb of Minneapolis, Minnesota; niece, Karri and husband, Joe Sciarri of Portland; nephew, Scott Blanchard of North Bend.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and son, Bobby Lehto.
Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131.
Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com
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