"I will carry special memories in my heart for Aunt Mildred always. "
In loving memory of
Mary "Mildred" Blankenship
October 9, 1925 - September 24, 2017
Mary "Mildred" Blankenship, 91, of Keokuk, passed away at 3:55 AM Sunday, September 24, 2017, at Unity Point Health of Keokuk.
Mildred was born October 9, 1925, in Bloomfield, Iowa, the daughter of Lem and Grace V. Hedges Tallman. After graduation she attended Culver-Stockton College where she received her teaching certificate. Mildred was united in marriage to Vencil C. Blankenship on April 18, 1944. Shortly after their marriage she and Vencil moved to Keokuk where they raised their family on the farm at Peters Dairy. In addition to church Mildred and Vencil enjoyed going to the races, playing cards with friends and were first class mushroom hunters. After over 49 years of happy marriage Vencil passed away June 28, 1993. Mildred had worked many years at Woolworths before retiring from there. She enjoyed sewing, reading and made many crafts. Mildred was a member of the First Christian Church for over 65 years.
Mildred is survived by two sons, Lem (Bobbie) Blankenship, Gordon (Linda) Blankenship, both of Keokuk and one daughter, Virginia Mae Gruell of Plymouth, IN., seven grandchildren; Troy Blankenship of Quincy, IL., Christopher Loring of Keokuk, IA., Jody Foreman of North Liberty, IA., Gina Kester of Greenville, IL., Gordon Blankenship, Jr. of Tennessee, IL., Tony Loring of Plymouth, IN., and Larry Loring Jr., of Cataula, GA., and several great and great-great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, a son-in-law Gene Gruell, a granddaughter Tari Hanson and two great grandsons.
Memorial service will be held at First Christian Church with Gordon Blankenship Jr., and Dave Turner officiating on October 21, 2017 at 11:00 AM with a dinner following. A private burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church.
DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Centers is assistance in arrangements.
Tributes
"Aunt Mildred was one of a kind. Like Linda said, she was always trying new and creative things. She was a very kind soul. Mom always had a story to tell of the two of them taking a trip somewhere together with Aunt Mildred driving and she said they practically flew over the railroad tracks-Dukes of Hazard style! So every time I pass over those particular tracks, I snicker, thinking of the two of them. Bless your heart, Aunt Mildred. I haven't seen you much the past few years, but you will always be remembered."
"Lots of wonderful memories about Aunt Mildred. There's nothing this women couldn't do. She tried everything. I have fond memories of going to their house and always seeing what new craft or project she had going. She always made you feel at home. She made the best homemade ice cream. We continued to receive Christmas cards after Uncle Vencil died. They weren't always on Christmas, but we always got one. She will always have a special place in our hearts. Love, Linda and Charles"
"I am very sorry for your loss. Many good thoughts, prayers, and lots of hugs and love for all of you."