Jeanne Louise (Blettner) Herr

Jeanne B. Herr, 93, of Westminster, died early Monday morning, July 26, 2021 at Brightview Westminster Ridge. Born July 1, 1928 in Hanover, Pennsylvania, she was the youngest daughter of the late Milton Blettner and Cora Miller Blettner.

Jeanne was a 1946 graduate of Eichelberger High School in her hometown. She moved to Westminster when she married Ober S. Herr, Jr. on April 23, 1950. Here she was to become a vital part of the Westminster community through her volunteer service, church involvement, and connections to Western Maryland College, now McDaniel College, which was named after her grandfather-in-law, William R. McDaniel.

She was an extremely active member of Westminster United Methodist Church for over 71 years where she served in numerous capacities including her commitment to the United Methodist Women and the Miriam Circle. Her dedication to helping the less fortunate resulted in her instrumental leadership in developing the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen at WUMC.

In April 1986, she was proudly named the recipient of the Carroll County Volunteer of the Year Award. This award was based on her years of service to the American Heart Association, United Way of Central Maryland, and over 30 years of her exceptional contribution to Meals on Wheels. Serving as a driver and visitor to her clients, she always expressed her concern and compassion, two of her greatest gifts. Jeanne was known for her infectious smile and charming giggle.

In 1990, Jeanne was Carroll County’s nominee for Maryland’s Most Beautiful People. She was recognized for her dedicated service and outstanding efforts to the citizens of her local community. For over 50 years, she was a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, being a charter member of the Junior Women’s Club of Westminster in 1952. Her activities as a member included serving as treasurer, as well as various fundraising and community-oriented endeavors.

For decades, Jeanne and “The Ladies of Lewis” confidentially pursued their roles in a top-secret government facility that existed for 34 years in the subbasement of the Lewis Hall of Science at Western Maryland College. These women were responsible for sending and receiving coded messages between federal agencies in the event of a cataclysmic attack on Washington, D.C.

Jeanne and her late husband built life-long relationships with many close friends through travel, adventures, and cultural events. Surviving her are her children and spouses, Karen J. and William Mallonee of Owensboro, KY; Stephen K. and Nancy Herr of Bend, OR; James D. Herr of Stateline, NV; and 7 grandchildren (Michael and Renee Mallonee of Lantana, TX; Daniel and Meredith Herr of Reno, NV; Mandee Mallonee of Los Angeles, CA; Andrew and Amanda Herr of Sisters, OR; Karah Herr of Bend, OR; Connor Herr of Austin, TX; and Spencer Herr of Stateline, NV). She is predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Ober S. Herr, Jr.; her sisters Evelyn Miller, Nadine Blettner, Henrietta Seibert; and her grandson, Logan D. Herr.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 29, 2021 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM at the Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, 91 Willis Street, Westminster. A private burial will be held on Friday, July 30, 2021, followed by a memorial service at Westminster United Methodist Church, 165 E Main Street at 2:00 PM with Rev. Dr. Malcolm Stranathan. Friends and loved ones will be welcomed prior to the service beginning at 1:30PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jeanne’s memory may be made to the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen, Westminster United Methodist Church, 165 E. Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157. Memories,tributes, and condolences for the family of Jeanne Herr may be left at www.myersdurborawfh.com.