Elaine Bleasdale

Elaine Bleasdale, 99, died at her home in Spencer, Tennessee on May 29, 2026.

She lived her representation of the American Dream as a stalwart of the Greatest Generation.

Born in 1926, she came of age in the Great Depression. She recalled, into her final years, that on December 8, 1941 (the day after the “date which will live in infamy”) the school announcements included a call for military recruits and “every senior boy in the class got up and walked out to sign up.”

Elaine, herself, aided in the war effort, signing on at the Willow Run plant in Ypsilanti Michigan building the B24 Liberators that helped turn the tide of the war in the Pacific.

After the war, she and her husband of over 50 years, Tom, started a family. They raised 13 children, and helped raise a multitude of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They built farms, homes, and businesses together.

After her husband’s death in 2001, Elaine followed some of her children to Spencer, where she spent the last 20 odd years of her life. She embraced the small town, and was embraced by it.

The family would like to thank the team of local caregivers and friends who made it possible for “Ma” to spend her final years at the home she loved, surrounded by the people and animals she loved and dedicated her life to. And Scooter (of course!)

Godspeed, Ma. Give Dad a hug for us!

“We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when, but I know we’ll meet again some sunny day.”

Arrangements are by Putnam-Reed Funeral Home, 1171 Main Street, Pikeville. Online condolences may be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com.