AMBOY – There isn’t much more exciting than a new baby in the family. And that baby often means a new title for the generations before it. A daughter becomes a mother, a dad becomes a grandfather and so on.

In the case of newborn Bently Kettley, it meant that Blanche Gascoigne became a great-great-great-grandmother. Six generations gathered for a photo opportunity on Monday, Feb. 13 and to introduce 3-week old Bently to his 107-year-old great-great-great-grandmother who resides at Aperion Care in Amboy.

Blanche is the mother of five children: Don (Wilma) Gascoigne, the late Dorothy Floto, Betty (Bill) Ogan, Jack Gascoigne, and the later Bill Gascoigne. She has nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren and the latest addition to the family, one great-great-great-grandchild.

Blanche is a lifelong resident of the Amboy area and lived independently until she was 100 years old. Her hobbies include playing cards such as “500,” “Rummy,” and “Quit Yer Bitchin.” She also enjoys Bingo.

Members of the Blanche Gascoigne family gathered to take advantage of the rare opportunity to take a six generation picture on Monday, Feb. 13. Blanche was able to meet her great-great-great-grandson, Bently Kettley. Pictured above, seated Katie Kettley holding Bently Kettley next to Blanche Gascoigne. Standing left to right, Karen Blaine holding a photo of her deceased mother, Dorothy Floto, Jason Kettley and Blanche’s other daughter, Betty Ogan. (Photo submitted)