2000-2009, KS, Compiled by James W. Blankenship jkblank1(at)sbcglobal.net

SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi , KS, Transcribed by Jim @ Blankenshipweb.com

Blankenship, Cecilia D. 48, 14Jan1960 - 16Jun2008, (72), KS-513-66-2581

Blankenship, Edna O. 90-91, 31May1915 - 06May2006, (72), KS-512-50-7056

Blankenship, Heather R. 12, 28Jan1994 - 30Jul2006, (72), KS-509-11-4365

Blankenship, Isabella N. 00, 20Jan2009 - 16Mar2009, (72), KS-515-29-2031

Blankenship, Patsy R. 72, 01Jul1928 - 31Aug2000, 92882 (72), KS-512-42-6113

Blankenship, Tylar L. 17-18, 14Jan1990 - 03Jan2008, (72), KS-512-04-1618

Atchison

2004, Atchison, Atchison Co., KS, Obituary

http://www.genealogybuff.com/uco/webbbs_config.pl?noframes;read=2093

Holly Nicole Bradley, 19 years old, of Atchison, KS. died Tuesday morning, August 24, 2004 from an automobile accident on U.S. Hwy 59, just north of the Rushville, Mo. exit.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 28th, 2004 at St. Benedicts Church with Fr. Gerard Senecal, O.S.B. as Celebrant. Burial will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Atchison, KS.

Holly was born on December 24th, 1984 in Atchison, Ks. the daughter of Loren 'Skip' and Julie (Lutz) Bradley, Jr. She graduated from the Atchison County Community High School, Effingham, Ks. in 2003. She was attending the School of Cosmetology at Vatterott College, St. Joseph, Mo. and was due to graduate in October of this year. Holly worked as an associate at Wal-mart, Atchison for over 2 years. She enjoyed riding four wheelers, and recently had started crocheting.

Holly was not married, but her significant other, and father of her daughter, Rick Thompson survives of the home. Additional survivor's include her daughter, MacKenzie Nicole Bradley Thompson, of the home, her parents, Loren 'Skip' and Julie (Lutz) Bradley, Jr., Atchison, Ks., two brothers, Jason Bradley, Smithville, Mo., and Ryan Bradley, Manhattan, Ks., maternal grandparents; Marge and Barry Willis, Glendale, AZ., paternal grandparents, Loren and Lola Bradley, Atchison, Ks., and Paternal Great Grandmother, Irene Blankenship, Atchison, Ks.,

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2007, Atchison, Atchison Co., KS, Obituary

www.atchisonglobeonline.com , 11/27/2007 1:26:00 PM 

Ruby Juanita Wingo, 73, Atchison, Kan., died Wednesday Nov. 21, 2007, at her residence. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007, in the chapel of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Hollingsworth officiating. Interment will follow in Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth.

Ruby was born Sept. 14, 1934, in Gilbert, W. Va., the daughter of Andy and Effie Ferrell Blankenship. She attended schools in West Virginia. She and Roy D. Wingo were united in marriage on April 7, 1961, in Hollyridge, N.C. She and her husband moved to Horton, Kan. in 1994 and to Atchison in 2005. Ruby was a member of the protestant faith. She was a homemaker and enjoyed spending her free time making crafts and being on the computer.

Survivors include her husband, Roy D. Wingo, Atchison, three daughters, Lois Darlene Brewer, Atchison, Ludeama Rose Hayes, Defuniak Springs, Fla., Jeanette Irene Whitney, Atchison, three sons, Charles Andrew Wingo, Newport News, Va., Roy David Wingo, Jr., Crestview, Fla., George Ronald Wingo, Tonganoxie, Kan., four sisters, Phyllis Sias, Rossmor, W. Va., Lethamae Maynard, Rossmore, W. Va., Sylvia Gipson, Benton, Ark., Lilirose Sias, Huntington, W. Va., two brothers, Wendall Tackett, Wayne, W. Va., Fred Tackett, Huntington, W. Va., 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, a sister, Addilee Gilco, and a brother, Ralph Denver Browning.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Barton

2003, Great Bend, Barton Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - April 16, 2003,

Ward, Elma May, 94, homemaker, died Monday, April 14, 2003. Service 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Bryant Funeral Home.

Survivors: daughters, Nancy Myers, Great Bend, Beth Blankenship , Hutchins on; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Butler

2009, Augusta, Butler Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - December 6, 2009,

Swank, Zona Claxton, 83, retired registered nurse, passed away Thu., Dec. 3, 2009. Memorial services will be 2 p.m., Wed., Dec. 9, at Hillside East.

She is preceded in death by mother Wilena Moser, father Theodore Claxton, husband Charles Swank, daughter Kyral Blankenship Cowans, and son Trace Norton.

She is survived by sister Kay Summers, grandson Jason Pinkerton, great-grandchildren Courtney and Alexander Pinkerton, 2 step-sons, 5 step-grandchildren, 1 step great-granddaughter, and numerous family and friends who will miss her dearly.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Bourbon

Bourbon Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Caroline A. 85-86, 23Nov1917 - 16Nov2003, Fort Scott, Bourbon, KS, IL-357-03-7238

Chase

2002, Cottonwood Falls, Chase Co., KS, Obituary

The Emporia Gazette, (KS) - August 31, 2002

The funeral for Dorotha Blankenship , 73, will be at 2 p.m. today in the Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home at Cottonwood Falls. The Rev. Roland Craig and the Rev. Dwight Craig will conduct the service. A private inurnment to be held at a later date. Mrs. Blankenship died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2002, at the Chase County Health and Rehabilitation Center in Cottonwood Falls.

She was a rancher and one of the first emergency medical technicians in Chase County. She worked with the Chase County Emergency Medical Service and went with them on ambulance runs. She was a Kansas charter member of the Girls Professional Rodeo Association, was a volunteer worker with the Dodge City Rodeo Days Association and also with the Flint Hills Rodeo Association.

Dorotha Beedle, the daughter of Ray and Grace Norton Beedle, was born Sept. 28, 1928, at Bazaar. She married Jerry Jay Blankenship on June 20, 1949, at Bazaar. He died in 1970. Mrs. Blankenship was a member of Falls Chapter 25 of the Order of the Eastern Star and a member of the American Quarter Horse Association.

She is survived by one daughter, Leigh Ann Crofoot of rural Matfield Green; two sons, Jay Blankenship of Hutchinson and Flint Blankenship of Topeka; and four grandchildren. Four sisters, Beverly Grace Beedle, Virginia Norton Beedle, Helen Evans and Betty Koger, died earlier.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Chautauqua

2005, Sedan, Chautauqua Co., KS, Obituary

Sedan Times-Star, June 01, 2005

Maria Grace Blankinship of Shreveport, LA, was born May 24, 2005 and passed away on May 24, 2005. She is survived by her parents, Damon and Gina Blankinship, and a sister, Courtney Blankinship, formerly of Edmond, Okla., and grandparents, Bill and Sharon Blankinship, Sedan, Kan. and Lee and Avis Cummings, Edmond, Okla.

Private graveside services were held on Tuesday, May 31, 2005. Arrangements were by the Baggerly Funeral Home.

http://www.ksgennet.org/ks/cq/obits/obitsb1.html#01740

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2008, Sedan, Chautauqua Co., KS, Obituary

Sedan Times-Star, January 16, 2008

Elmer Eugene "Butch" Blankinship, age 64, of Sedan, passed Monday, Jan. 14, 2008 at the Sedan City Hospital in Sedan. He was born Oct. 8, 1943 in Sedan, to Elmer H. and Magdalene (Miller) Blankinship. He was raised in Sedan and graduated from Peru High School in 1961. On May 28,1965 he married Wanda Lee Warring in Sedan. He was a member of the Army Reserves from 1964 to 1971. He served as Chautauqua County Sheriff from 1976 to 1983. He also worked in the oilfield from 1984 until he retired in 1997.

He is survived by his wife Wanda of the home in Sedan; his mother, Magdalene Fralick of Sedan; two daughters, Patricia Wallrabenstein and her husband Russell of Winfield, and Debbie Kill and her husband Rick of Sycamore; two sons, Justin Blankinship of Noblesville, Ind., and Bryan Blankinship and his wife Sheila of Sedan; eight grandchildren, Kitiara, Erik and Kari Wallrabenstein, Christopher Blankinship and Emma Kill, Ashley Blankinship, Dai-ton and Koda Blankinship and one great-grandson, Damien Wallrabenstein. He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer, who passed away Feb. 19,1986.

Family and friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 16, at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Sedan. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008 at the Greenwood Cemetery in Sedan, with Clayton Wilson officiating.

http://www.ksgennet.org/ks/cq/obits/obitsb1.html#01740

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Chautauqua Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankinship, Elmer E. 64, 08Oct1943 - 14Jan2008, Sedan, Chautauqua, KS, KS-513-44-8098

Cowley

2006, Arkansas City, Cowley Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - August 3, 2006,

Hardiman, Rowena Jean, 72, died Aug. 1, 2006. Service 10 a.m. Friday, Tannehill Cemetery.

Survivors: husband, Max; sons, Jim, Jeff and Miles Blankenship ; stepsons, Mike, Steve; stepdaughter, Tomi Kemp; brother, Larry White; sister, Vonda Harding; 15 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2007, Arkansas City, Cowley Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - January 3, 2007

Cyre, Georgia M. (Bates), 74, died Dec. 28, 2006. Service has been held.

Survivors: husband, Duane; daughters, Rebecca Blankenship , Lana Vidricksen and husband, Steve all of Arkansas City; brother, James Bates; 2 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren. Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2003, Udall, Cowley Co., KS, Obituary

Blankenship, Jesse Snow Son of Luther Blankenship & Lettie Grider

Blankenship, Luther Son of

UDALL Jesse Snow Blankenship, 88, longtime Udall resident, died Sept. 26, 2003, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in Ninnescah Cemetery, south of Udall.
Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service from 5 to 9 tonight. The family will greet friends from 5 to 7.
Memorials have been established with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and St. Jude Children?s Research Hospital. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.
Blankenship was born Aug. 5, 1915, in Belle Plaine, to Lettie (Grider) and Luther Blankenship. He was raised and educated in Belle Plaine and graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1935.
On Aug. 5, 1938, he married Laura Lois Craig in Belle Plaine. The couple made their home at Udall where Blankenship farmed and ranched for 64 years.
He had served on the Udall school board, the Udall fire board and the Cowley County Planning Committee.
Survivors include his wife, Laura Blankenship, Udall; a son, Gary Blankenship, Davenport, Wash.; two daughters, Sharon Smith, Beaumont, Texas, and Beverly Russell, Augusta; a foster son, Mike Edmundson, Winfield; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

From Theresa Rogers Griffiths theresagriffiths(at)iwon.com

2004, Udall, Cowley Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, The (KS) - April 25, 2004

Blankenship, Laura L., 86, died April 23, 2004. Service 10:30 am Wednesday at Miles Funeral Service, Winfield.

Survivors: son, Gary & wife, Jeanne; daughters, Sharon Smith & husband, Don, Beverly Russell & husband, Steve; foster son, Mike Edmundson; brother, Frank Craig; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2008, Udall, Cowley Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - February 22, 2008

Craig, Frank, 86, died Feb. 20, 2008. Service 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Udall United Methodist Church.

Survivors: nieces, Sharon Smith, Beverly Russell, Judith Goodwin; nephews, Gary Blankenship , Robert Craig. Miles Funeral Service, Winfield.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2006, Winfield, Cowley Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - March 28, 2006

Blankenship , Laura June, 82, died March 26, 2006. Service 10 a.m. Thursday, Miles Funeral Service.

Survivors: husband, Charles; sons, Keith, Dale, Danny; daughters, Shirley Rowan, Judy Davis, Sue Blankenship ; brothers, Floyd and Forrest Hain; sister, Viola Robinson; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Cowley Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Jesse S. 88, 05Aug1915 - 26Sep2003, Udall, Cowley, KS, KS-509-09-0665

Blankenship, Laura L. 86, 03Dec1917 - 23Apr2004, Udall, Cowley, KS, KS-515-20-3663

Blankenship, Laura J. 82, 09Jun1923 - 26Mar2006, Winfield, Cowley, KS, KS-510-14-3355

Crawford

+2004, Arma, Crawford Co., KS, Obituary

The Ottawa Herald, (KS) - April 12, 2004

William O. "Bill" Cox, 73, died Saturday, April 10, 2004, at Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center, Pittsburg. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa.

He was born April 18, 1930, at Kansas City, Mo., to Richard and Mary Elizabeth (Williams) Cox. He grew up and attended schools in Kansas City, Mo. He worked in construction, specializing in concrete. He married Cynthia Welsh Aug. 20, 1971. She died Aug. 17, 1992.

He then married Beverly Edwards July 5, 2000. She survives of the home. Other survivors include five sons, Cleve Dent, William O. Cox, Jason Cox and Douglas Welsh, all of Ottawa, and William Cox, Arcadia; two daughters, Sanda Miles, Ottawa, and Karen Edwards, Arma; five brothers, Arthur Cox and Larry Cox, both of Garden City, Mo., Joe Cox, Ottawa, Fred Cox, Pittsburg, and Albert Cox, Buffalo, Mo.; a sister, Shirley McKay, Ottawa; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter; a brother, Mosie Cox; and three sisters, Mary Leach, Nadine Blankenship and Viola Cauffman.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2007, Pittsburg, Crawford Co., KS, Obituary

The Morning Sun, (Pittsburg, KS) - June 6, 2007

Joe Cox, 80, died Sunday, June 3, 2007 at Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center, Pittsburg. He was born Sept. 4, 1926 in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Richard L. Cox and Mary E. (Williams) Cox.

He lived in the Lee's Summit, Mo., and Kansas City areas before moving to Ottawa in 1985 and to Pittsburg earlier this year. For 40 years he worked as a residential and commercial construction worker, working mostly with concrete flatwork. He was maintenance supervisor for Chapel Woods Golf Course, Lee's Summit, for 13 years, retiring in 1985. Joe served in the United States Navy as a chief petty officer from 1943 to 1950 in the Pacific Theater on several different ships. He was a 25-year member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Memorial Post No. 5901, and a former member of Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie Lodge No. 2700, both of Ottawa.

In 1998 Joe was united in marriage with Audrey Jones at Miami, Okla. She survives of their home. On Dec. 20, 1976 he was united in marriage with Dorothy Johnson at Miami, Okla. She preceded him in death on Jan. 4, 1994. He was previously married to Lenetta Cooley on Aug. 7, 1948 at Kansas City, Mo. They were later divorced.

Survivors include his wife, Audrey Cox of Pittsburg; a son, Al Cox and his wife, Violet, of Kansas City, Mo.; three daughters, Patty Ridenour and Ellen Rakestraw, both of Pittsburg, and Janice Hackley and her husband, Scott, of Odessa, Mo.; two stepsons, James Johnson and Virgil Johnson and his wife, Donna, of Pittsburg; four stepdaughters, Clara Brunner and her husband, Roger of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Virginia Slaughter of Independence, Kan., Theresa Jasso and her husband, Richard, of Pittsburg, and Rhonda Rogers of Pittsburg; a sister, Shirley McKay of Ottawa; four brothers, Arthur Cox and his wife, Barbara of Garden City, Mo., Bob Cox of Buffalo, Mo., Larry Cox and his wife, Maureen, and Fred Cox; many grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary E. (Williams) Cox, his father, Richard L. Cox, two brothers, Mosie Cox and Bill Cox, and three sisters, Mary Leach, Viola Coffman and Nadine Blankenship .

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 7, 2007, from the Dengel & Son Mortuary. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Dickinson

2003, Abilene, Dickinson Co., KS, Obituary

Abilene Reflector-Chronicle (KS) - October 20, 2003,

Sandy Ray Clements, 56, Abilene, died Sunday, Sept. 28, 2003, in Franklin County, Kentucky, in a truck accident. He was born Nov. 17, 1946, in Carthage, Texas, the son of John C. and Luddie B. (Maienes) Clements. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He had been a resident of Abilene since 1992.

Survivors include his wife, Maria of the home; two sons, Paul Clements of the home and Chris Clements in Texas; two daughters, Theresa Mischke of Apple Valley, Minn., and Sandra Clements in Texas; two brothers, the Rev. John C. Clements Jr. in Mississippi and David Linn Clements of Baytown, Texas; and one sister, Inez Blankenship of Lake Livingston, Texas.

Funeral services were Saturday, Oct. 4, 2003, in Carthage, Texas, with the Rev. John C. Clements Jr. officiating. Inurnment was in Del Ray, Texas. The body was cremated.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Douglas

+2003, Lawrence, Douglas Co., KS, Obituary

Lawrence Journal-World (KS) - April 20, 2003,

Mass of Christian burial for Doris J. Blankenship , 75, Lawrence, will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, Atchison. Mrs. Blankenship died Thursday, April 17, 2003, at Alterra Sterling House.

She was born Oct. 1, 1927, in Atchison, the daughter of John and Florence (Byrne) Kane. She grew up in the St. Patrick community, south of Atchison, and attended St. Patrick Catholic High School. Mrs. Blankenship worked at Baldwin High School. In 1978 she started working for King Radio in Ottawa, from which she retired in October 1992. She was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church. She married Thomas J. Blankenship on Sept. 2, 1959, in Kansas City, Kan. They later divorced.

Survivors include two daughters, Sandy Bruhns, Lawrence, and Judy Kennedy, Kansas City, Kan.; a stepdaughter, Cheryl Savala, Kansas City, Kan.; three brothers, Donald Kane, John Kane and Eugene Kane, all of Atchison; four sisters, Lorene Clemens Boos and Margie Swendson, both of Atchison, Mary Lou Andre, Kansas City, Kan., and Patricia Rush, Leavenworth; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. An infant son and a stepdaughter, Linda Blankenship , died earlier.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Douglas Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Doris J. 75, 01Oct1927 - 17Apr2003, Lawrence, Douglas, KS, KS-514-26-4392

Ellis

2001, Hays, Ellis Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - August 11, 2001,

Linaman, E. Ward, 92, retired Kansas State deputy fire marshall, died Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2001. Service 1 p.m. today, Mount Allen Cemetery.

Survivors: stepdaughters, Connie Weigel of Kearney, Neb., Ronnie Leiker of Springs, Texas, Wanda Prather of Iowa City, Linda Blankenship of Aurora, Colo., Debbie Cutler of Colwich; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren. Hays Memorial Chapel.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Finney

2009, Holcomb, Finney Co., KS, Obituary

Green Bay Press-Gazette

Sheila L. Sizemore, 50, died on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009, at her home in Holcomb, Kan. She was born on Feb. 17, 1959, in Sheboygan, the daughter of James T. and Naomi R. Blankenship Long. Sheila graduated from Howards Grove High School in Howards Grove, Wis. On Aug. 19, 1978, she married Jack W. Sizemore at Howards Grove, Wis. She has been a resident of Holcomb, Kan., since 1985, after moving from Kiowa, Colo. Sheila was a legal secretary for the Charles Owen II Law Office. She was a member of the Presbyterian faith and the Holcomb Booster Club.

She is survived by her husband, Jack Sizemore; one son, Jack Sizemore, Jr. of Holcomb, Kan.; two daughters, Amanda Hickman of Holcomb, Kan., and Melissa Sizemore of Holcomb, Kan.; her mother, Naomi Huberty of Plymouth, Wis.; four brothers, Al Mollo of Madison, Frank Mollo of Lincoln, Neb., Jesse Long of Oconto Falls and Brian Long of Sheboygan; three sisters, Linda Wenzel of Oconto Falls, Helen Miller of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Debbie Morgan of California; her father and mother-in-law, Orvil and Barbara Sizemore of Fond du Lac; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, James Long; a brother, Jerry Long; and a brother-in-law, Terry Sizemore.

Services: A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at the Price & Sons Funeral Home in Garden City, Kan. The Rev. Deanna Fluck, pastor, will officiate. There will be no public visitation at the funeral home. Interment will be held at a later date.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Ford

2007, Dodge City, Ford Co., KS, Obituary

The Dodge City Daily Globe, (KS) - April 24, 2007,

Roland Paris Myers, 94, died Sunday, April 22, 2007, at Presbyterian Manor of the Plains at Dodge City. He was born June 26, 1912, at Jetmore, the son of Harry and Mary (Cates) Myers.

He married Anna Mary Novack on Nov. 21, 1942, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Windthorst. She survives. He spent his childhood in Hodgeman County until moving to Windthorst. He worked as a baggage man for the Santa Fe Railroad before being employed as a custodian at USD 443, Dodge City, until his retirement. He was a member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe and a former member of the Moose Lodge, both of Dodge City.

Other survivors include four sons, Donald Myers and wife, Linda, Liberal, Ken Myers and Leslie Myers, both of Dodge City, and Michael Myers, Hollister, Mo.; two daughters Mary Ann Grable and husband, Bill, Branson, Mo., and Shirley Keith and husband, Don, Dodge City; 27 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by one son, David Eugene Myers; one great-granddaughter, Summer Lee Myers; one great-grandson, David Eugene Myers; one daughter-in-law, Susan Thompson Myers; two brothers, Henry and Benny Myers; three sisters, Lucy Blankenship , Marion Torson and Mary Dee Thorton; along with 14 other siblings.

The vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City, and the funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Dodge City, with the Rev. Trong Tran presiding. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Windthorst.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2008, Dodge City, Ford Co., KS,

The Dodge City Daily Globe, (KS) - January 19, 2008,

Steve Brown, 44, died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, at his home in Dodge City. He was born in Cortland, NY on May 8, 1963, the son of Robert A. and Betty L. ( Blankenship ) Brown. He married Roberta "Bobbi" Hann on April 16, 2005, after they had been together since 2001.

He graduated from Groton Central School, Groton, NY, in 1981, where he was a star basketball player and earned a full scholarship to Fort Hays State University. At Fort Hays, he earned a bachelor's degree in mass communications, and broadcasted "Play by Play: FHSU" games for KJLS radio in Hays. He worked as a radio DJ and sports announcer for Rocking M Radio, as well as referee, umpire, and karaoke DJ with Steve's Sound Machine. He was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed life to the fullest and reporting it to all his listeners. His hobbies included traveling, fishing, karaoke, following the Kansas City Chiefs, the Dodge City Red Demons, Dodge City Legends, watching Monday Night football with friends, and spending quality time with family and friends. He was a member of Relay for Life, Dodge City High School Booster Clubs, and Steve's Sound Machine, all of Dodge City, and the NFHS Officials Association.

Survivors include his wife, Roberta "Bobbi" Brown, of the home; his parents, Robert and Betty Brown, Groton, NY; two brothers, Tom Brown and wife, Sally, Groton, NY, and David Brown and wife, Joan, Hays; two sisters, Margie Williams and husband, Steve, Groton, NY, and Barbara Pelham and husband, Steve, Hickory, NC; two stepsons, Jason Buddy and wife, Melissa, and Chris Buddy and wife, Jennifer, Dodge City; one stepdaughter, Lisa Buddy, Honolulu, Hawaii; two grandchildren; and 34 nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Katherine, and one brother, James.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the First Christian Church, with Mr. Jeff Hiers presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Franklin

2004, Ottawa, Franklin Co., KS, Obituary

The Ottawa Herald, (KS) - July 20, 2004,

Lola Marie Blankenship, 86, died Monday, July 19, 2004, at Olathe Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, Ottawa, with the Rev. Gail Bowers officiating.

She was born Jan. 10, 1918, in Ottawa to Eugene Kelly and Philene May (Barnes) Whitacre. She graduated from Ottawa High School in 1936. She was a homemaker. She and her husband moved to Kansas City, Mo., and returned to Franklin County in 1971. She worked for Gerson's Wholesale Jewelry, Kansas City, Mo. She married George Hoyt Sept. 4, 1937, at Paola. He died Jan. 15, 2003. She was baptized at Leeds Baptist Church, Kansas City, Mo., and attended Williamsburg United Methodist Church. She served as president of the Ottawa Women's Athletic Association and was a member of the Ottawa Women's Bowling Association.

Survivors include two daughters, Lois Anne Bruner, Rantoul, and Linda Mae Kistner, Vassar; a sister, Virginia Mae Sutherland, Everman, Texas; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by four brothers and two grandchildren.

Burial will be at Princeton Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2009, Ottawa, Franklin Co., KS, Obituary,

http://www2.ljworld.com

Funeral services for Frances M. Warnock, 83, Ottawa, will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the First United Methodist Church in Ottawa. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery.

Mrs. Warnock died Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, at Ottawa Retirement Village. She was born Sept. 5, 1926, in Ottawa, the daughter of Rebecca Wilcock and Arthur Earl Phares. She graduated from Wellsville High School in 1944. After graduation, Mrs. Warnock was a secretary at the Sunflower ordnance plant. She most recently worked as a secretary at C. Lister and Associates. Mrs. Warnock was a Girl Scout leader and den mother for over 15 years. She also helped start the Girls Club in Ottawa, was a member of the Inter Se Club, member of two garden clubs, the Jaycee Jane’s and the Ottawa Horticulture Club.

Mrs. Warnock was a floral designer and helped organize the arrangements for the Franklin County Fair. She was awarded the Grand Champion Award more than 15 times for receiving the most ribbons overall in the judging. She was also a charter member of the Four Seasons Garden Club and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Ottawa for more than 65 years. She was a Kansas University athletics fan, and enjoyed gardening, golfing and spending time with her family. She married James M. Warnock on Dec. 23, 1943, in Wellsville. He preceded her in death Dec. 14, 1993.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Jim and Harold Phares, and two sisters, Betty Blankenship and Dorothy Crowley.

Survivors include a son, Jack Warnock and wife Bonnie, Liberty, Mo.; two daughters, Connie Jameson and husband Daryl, Baldwin City, and Becky Brock and husband Darrell, Emporia; eight grandchildren including Dr. Nealy Newkirk; and nine great-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2003, Princeton, Franklin Co., KS, Obituary

http://www.arrangeonline.com/obituary/obituary.asp?ObituaryID=67288481

George Hoyt Blankenship (1912 - 2003)was born May 23, 1912, at Ridgley, Missouri. He was the son of Samuel Hoyt and Ola Mae (Hamner) Blankenship. When he was a young boy, he moved with his family to Absarokee, Montana, in 1916, to homestead land. The family returned to Franklin County, Kansas in 1927, because of Mr. Blankenship's father's health. He moved to Kansas City, Missouri, in 1934, returning to Franklin County in 1971, where he made his home until his death Wednesday, January 15, 2003, at the age of ninety years.

Mr. Blankenship was employed as a Production Worker by Leeds General Motors Plant in Kansas City, Missouri, for thirty-seven years, from 1934 until his retirement in 1971. He had previously farmed in Franklin County from 1927 to 1934. He was a former member of the Leeds Baptist Church, Kansas City, Missouri. He was a fifty-year member of McKinley Lodge #41, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Pomona, and member of United Auto Workers #93, Kansas City, Missouri.

Mr. Blankenship was a simple man with simple needs, who appreciated everything, especially his family. He loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. And, his great grandchildren brought him so much joy. He liked working on his farm and cutting firewood and, in his younger years, working with horses and giving rides to his grandchildren on a springboard wagon.

On September 4, 1937, George was united in marriage with Lola Marie Whitacre at Paola, Kansas. They shared over sixty-five years together. She survives of their home.

He is also survived by two daughters, Lois Anne Bruner and her husband, Warren F., of Rantoul, Linda Kistner and her husband, Kenneth, of Williamsburg; two sisters, Margaret Knight of Lyndon, Lois Myers of Centropolis; three grandsons, Gail Bruner and his wife, Vania, of Rantoul, Randy Bruner and his wife, Nicol, of Ottawa, John McGrath and his wife, Kristen, of Ottawa; one granddaughter, Angela Roberts, and her husband, 1st Lt. Corey Roberts, of San Angelo, Texas; four great grandsons, Luke Bruner, Logan Bruner, Bryce Bruner, Brayden Bruner; stepgrandson, Berry Kistner; stepgranddaughter, Genella Lewallen; two step great granddaughters, Kayla and Stephanie; step great grandson, Zachary; and, many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Cathryn Blankenship, Vida Rice, Bessie Neith, Bird Slankard; brother, Everett Blankenship; granddaughter, Lois Shereé Ruby; and, grandson, Ronald Vincent Ruby

Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 18, 2003, with Lodge services by McKinley Lodge #41, A.F. & A.M.
OFFICIATING CLERGY: Pastor Richard Dunn.
IN STATE: Mr. Blankenship will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 9:00 a.m. Friday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends 7 to 8:00 Friday evening.
CEMETERY: Princeton Cemetery, Princeton, Kansas.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2001, Williamsburg, Franklin Co., KS, Obituary

The Ottawa Herald, (KS) - January 1, 2001,

Dorothy H. "Dot" Crowley, 71, Williamsburg, died Friday, June 8, 2001, at Ransom Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be 3 p.m. Sunday at Dengel & Son Mortuary with Rev. Bryant Currier officiating. She was born Dec. 19, 1929 to Arthur E. and Rebecca (Wilcox) Phares at Rantoul.

She graduated from Wellsville High School in 1947. She married Floyd Greenfield in 1949. He died in 1951. She married Glen Crowley on Aug. 9, 1952, in Harrisonville, Mo. He survives. She was a life-long homemaker and Franklin County resident, moving to Williamsburg from Rantoul in 1949. During the 1970s and 1980s, she worked for several area floral shops. She worked for Wal-Mart from 1982 until her retirement in 1994. She was baptized in the New Hope Baptist Church, Wellsville.

Her survivors also include two daughters, Julie Lowrance, Osage City, and Mary Mosher, Centropolis; two sons, Jodie Crowley and Marty Crowley, both Williamsburg; sister France Warnock, Ottawa, and brother James Phares, Wellsville; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her sister Betty Blankenship and brother Harold Phares.

Her body will lie in state after 1 p.m. Saturday at Dengel & Son, where the family will meet friends 6-7 p.m. Saturday. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Williamsburg.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Franklin Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, George H. 90, 23May1912 - 15Jan2003, Ottawa, Franklin, KS, MO-487-09-4659

Blankenship, Lola M. 86, 10Jan1918 - 19Jul2004, Ottawa, Franklin, KS, MO-499-46-2553

Graham

2000, Hill City, Graham Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - December 17, 2000,

Otis, Enid Ilene, 76, homemaker and bookkeeper, died Friday, Dec. 15, 2000. Service 10 a.m. Tuesday, Spencer-Stinemetz Chapel of Hill City.

Survivors: sons, Michael of Forest Lake, Minn., Patrick of Toddville, Iowa, Daniel of Northwood, Iowa; daughters, Colleen Blankenship of Glenwood, Iowa, Eileen Otis of Clear Lake, Iowa, Carmel Retz of Atkins, Iowa; brothers, Douglas Clark, Bryce Clark, John Clark Jr. all of Hoisington, Chales Clark of Kewanee, Wis.; sisters, Marles Miller of Olympia, Wash., Shirley Hilburn of Hill City, Patricia Covalt of Riley, Billye Yowell of Delphos; 19 grandchi ldren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Gray

2006, Cimarron, Gray Co., KS, Obituary

The Dodge City Daily Globe, (KS) - June 6, 2006,

Allen Willard Nichols, 77, died Sunday, June 4, 2006, at his home in rural Cimarron. He was born Jan. 11, 1929, to Jesse and Lydia (Jantz) Nichols at Copeland.

He married Betty JoAnn Blankenship on June 15, 1950 in Dodge City. She survives. He was a lifetime farmer, rancher and dairyman. He was a member of the Church of God In Christ Mennonite Church and attended First Christian Church, Dodge City.

Other survivors include three sons, Allen Ray Nichols and wife Debra, Cimarron, Ronnie Willard Nichols, Ingalls, and Kelly Lynn Nichols and wife Amy, Dodge City; one daughter, Nancy Schwartz and husband Bill, Amarillo, Texas; two sisters, Viola Wedel and Verda Giesbrecht and husband Johnnie, all of Montezuma; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Warren and Martin Nichols.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at First Christian Church, Dodge City with Revs. Clyde Goff and Larry Williams presiding. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Harper

2008, Harper, Harper Co., KS, Obituary

Wellington Daily News (KS) - August 11, 2008,

Richard E. Barnes, 79, of Harper, retired farmer, lontime Milton resident, died Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008 at the Pleasant View home in Inman, Kan. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Aug. .11, 2008, at Milton United Methodist Church in Milton.

Survivors include: wife, Joann; children, Douglas Barnes, Gary Barnes, both of Milton, Greg Barnes of Pratt, Debra Blankenship of Haven, Kan., Sandra Unruh of Harper, Cheri Bishop of Morrison, Colo., Donnie Gilley of Colorado Springs; one brother Darrel Barnes of Norwich, Kan.; one sister Linda Price of Waco, Texas; 25 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Harvey

+2002, Newton, Harvey Co., KS, Obituary

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=24095133

Gary L. Blankenship, 67, printer at Prestige Printing in Hesston, died Wednesday (Dec. 4, 2002) at Wichita Clinic-Bethel in Newton. He was born Oct. 3, 1935, to Ernest Merle and Velma (Jain) Blankenship in Wellington. They preceded him in death.

He served in the Air National Guard. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Kansas York Rites. He enjoyed fishing, playing Bingo and going to the casinos.

He married Retha Strait May 27, 1955, in Wichita. She survives of Newton. Other survivors include: three daughters, Kathy Lusk of Mulvane, and Monica Stovall and Lori Weis, both of Newton; a brother, Benny Blankenship of Wichita; three sisters, Treva Evans of Wichita, Myrla Rohling of Prague, Okla., Mary Sands of West Plains, Mo.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mike Keating of First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

Haskell

+2006, Sublette, Haskell Co., KS, Obituary

The Dodge City Daily Globe, (KS) - December 4, 2006

Kent Owen Blakenship, 60, died Friday, December 1, 2006, at his home. He was born Nov. 5, 1946 to Christopher C. and Frances L. (Frisbie) Blakenship in Newton.

He married Lawanda J. Blackmore on March 3, 1968 in Sublette. She survives. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was a heavy equipment operator for Haskell County Road Department. He attended the First Church, Satanta, and was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion and N.R.A.

Other survivors include two sons, Keith Blankenship , Portland, Ore., and Danny Blankenship , Fairfield, Texas; one brother, Jerry Blakenship, Placentia, Calif.; three sisters, Eunice Anderson, McMinnville, Ore., Vivian Morford, San Antonio, Texas, and Winifred Hague, Topeka; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Leon Blankenship .

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the Christian Church, Sublette, with the Revs. Tom Massey, Hugh Smith and Ted Nelson presiding. Military graveside services will be held at Haskell County Cemetery, Sublette.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2008, Sublette, Haskell Co., KS, Obituary

The Dodge City Daily Globe, (KS) - March 31, 2008,

Paul H. "Butch" Blackmore, age 93, of Sublette died Saturday March 29, 2008 at Satanta District Hospital, Satanta. The son of William Monfort and Mary Emily (Golden) Blackmore, he was born July 17, 1914, at Matfield Green in Chase County.

He and Hazel Lucille Raner were married Nov. 24, 1946 at Sublette. They shared life together for over 61 years. He and his wife moved into the Satanta Long Term Care, Satanta, when they could no longer take care of themselves. He was a retired meat cutter, worked for Ideal Grocery in Sublette and was a Haskell County sheriff for 26 years. He was a member of the Christian Church, Sublette, American Legion Post 205 and a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge both in Sublette an Garden City.

Survivors include his wife, Hazel; four daughters, Lawanda Blankenship , Sublette, Pauline Nelson and husband Ted, Pinedale, Wyo., Mary Watston and husband Steve, Sublette, Bonnie Starke and husband Bill, Dodge City; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Frank, Walker Mason and Jack Blackmore, one sister as an infant, Helen Virginia Blackmore and one son-in-law, Kent Blankenship .

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Christian Church, Sublette with David Erwin presiding. Military graveside services will be conducted by the Sublette American Legion Post No. 205 with burial in the Haskell County Cemetery, Sublette.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2008, Sublette, Haskell Co., KS, Obituary

The Hutchinson News, (KS) - October 26, 2008

SUBLETTE - Hazel L. Blackmore, 81, died Oct. 25, 2008, at Satanta Long Term Care Unit, Satanta. She was born Jan. 16, 1927, the daughter of Jasper Newton and Mabel Edith Owens Raner. On Nov. 24, 1946, she married Paul H. Blackmore. He died March 29, 2008.

Survivors include: four daughters, Lawanda Blankenship , Pauline Nelson, Mary Watson, Bonnie Starke; one brother, John N. Raner; one half sister, Mildred Blanche; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild.

Funeral 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Christian Church, Sublette.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Haskell Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Kent O. 60, 05Nov1946 - 05Dec2006, Sublette, Haskell, KS, KS-509-46-7878

Harvey

2003, Newton, Harvey Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - January 2, 2003,

Newberry, Alan C., 65, railroad director of construction, died Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2002. Service 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Broadway Colonial Funeral Home.

Survivors: wife, Janis; daughter, Rochelle Schowanger of Coppel, Texas; mother, Ida Newberry of Newton; sisters, Florence Blankenship of Plancentia, Calif., Lois Porter of Newton.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Harvey Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Gary L. 67, 03Oct1935 - 04Dec2002, Newton, Harvey, KS, KS-513-32-4169

Jefferson

2000, Oskaloosa, Jefferson Co., KS, Obituary

Lawrence Journal-World (KS) - March 23, 2000,

Services for Doren L. Metzger, 73, Oskaloosa, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Barnett Funeral Home, Oskaloosa. Burial will be in Ozawkie Cemetery, Ozawkie. Mr. Metzger died Tuesday, March 21, 2000, at Jefferson County Geriatrics Center, Winchester.

He was born April 27, 1926, in Medina, the son of William and Opal Metzger. He graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1944. Mr. Metzger served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and had worked for the Oskaloosa post office for 30 years before retiring in 1976. He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 36 and Countryside Baptist Church, and worked at Oskaloosa Book Barn and Jefferson County Historical Society. He married Betty Grandstaff and they later divorced.

Survivors include two brothers, Marvin Metzger, Lawrence, and Kenneth Metzger, Lamar, Colo.; and two sisters, Doris Sanderson, Lawrence, and Lois Blankenship , Topeka. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, where the family will receive friends from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2002, Grantville, Jefferson Co., KS, Obituary

The Topeka Capital-Journal, (KS) - August 5, 2002

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the United Methodist Church in Grantville for John Junior Kendall, 79, Grantville, who died Saturday, Aug. 3, 2002, at a Topeka hospital. He was born Sept. 25, 1922, in Morrill in Brown County, to John Wesley and Nora Olive Blankenship Kendall.

He graduated from Morrill High School in 1940 and attended Strickler's Business College in Topeka. He lived in Topeka for five years before he moved to Grantville in 1954. He was a farmer in Jefferson County and had worked at the Topeka Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. plant for 37 years. He served in the Army during World War II and was recalled into the Army during the Korean War. He held the rank of master sergeant before he was discharged. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Grantville and United Methodist Men. He was a Sunday school teacher at the church and had served as Sunday school superintendent for 18 years. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club in Meriden, Kansas Kiwanis Foundation for Life, Meriden Memorial Post No. 10805 of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Jefferson County Bicentennial Post No. 225 of the American Legion in Ozawkie and Moose Lodge No. 555 in Topeka. He had served as treasurer of Glacial Hills Resource Conservation District. He was a past president of Rural Water District No. 1 in Meriden and had been cited for 36 years of service to the district. He was a volunteer for the Kaw Township Fire Department and had been a 4-H Club leader.

He married Juanita J. Uhl on April 20, 1947, in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include a son, Ronald David Kendall, Palm Coast, Fla.; two daughters, Charlene Sue Kendall Patton, Topeka, and Karen Marie Kendall Jackson, Overland Park; a brother, Murl Dean Kendall, Omaha; and 10 grandchildren.

A Fort Riley detail will conduct graveside services at Prairie Home Cemetery northwest of Topeka.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2004, Oskaloosa, Jefferson Co., KS, Obituary

The Topeka Capital-Journal, (KS) - September 4, 2004,

Iva Bernece Spielman, 82, Oskaloosa, passed into eternal life Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004, with her family by her side at Rolling Hills Nursing Home in Topeka.

Bernece was born Sept. 29, 1921, in Perry, to Fred and Velma Dick Stebbins. She married Robert Spielman on Dec. 21, 1948. They lived in Oskaloosa with their family for more than 40 years. Robert preceded her in death on Dec. 10, 1986.

Bernece was a 50-year member of Oskaloosa Rebekah Lodge, and an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Oskaloosa and the Oskaloosa Senior Citizens group. She enjoyed camping, family gatherings, sewing, quilting and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by two daughters, Verla Vines, and her husband, Gary, Topeka, and Jolene Wyman, Meridian, Idaho; a son, Jerry Spielman, Lawrence; three grandchildren, Rick Blankenship and Trisha Blankenship, both of Topeka and Robby Wyman, Meridian, Idaho; two great-grandchildren, Jordan Blankenship and Mia Gilbert, both of Topeka; five step grandchildren; a sister, Lorraine Baker, Topeka; and four brothers, Merle "Bood" Stebbins, and his wife, Georgia, Perry, Donald "Herb" Stebbins, and his wife, Eunice, and Lyle Stebbins, and his wife, Ruth, both of Topeka, and LaVerne "Chick" Stebbins, and his wife, Ernie, Oskaloosa.

Mrs. Spielman was preceded in death by two brothers, Vestal and Wayne Stebbins.

A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church in Oskaloosa.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Jewell

2009, Mankato, Jewell Co., KS, Obituary

The Salina Journal, (KS) - November 25, 2009

Diane Pegg, 74, died Monday, Nov. 23, 2009. She was born May 17, 1935, in Corvallis, Ore., to John and Edith Blankenship . She moved to Mankato from West Palm Beach, Fla., in 2005.

Her husband, John, preceded her in death.

Survivors include sisters, Patricia Christie, of Mankato, and Brenda Schatz, of Puyallup, Wash.; and several nieces and nephews.

Family inurnment services will be at a later date. No visitation; the family chose cremation.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Johnson

2002, Overland Park, Johnson Co., KS, Obituary

The Emporia Gazette, (KS) - April 22, 2002

Emporia native William P. Yearout Jr. died April 18, 2002, at a nursing home in Johnson County. Mr. Yearout was born Dec. 3, 1917, in Emporia to William P. Yearout Sr. and Florence Davis Yearout.

He attended the College of Emporia and Emporia State University, where he played and sang in a small band. He served in the Navy during World War II. He was a longtime broadcaster, having worked at KWTO in Springfield, Mo.; at WREN in Lawrence; and at a small station in Mason City, Iowa. In 1950, he joined KCML radio and later became the first weatherman at KCMO television, where he also was master of ceremonies for "Around the Town," "Over the Back Fence" and "Let's Get Growing." He also worked at KMBC television and in advertising and was involved with the theater. He was married to Kathryn Carbiener and later to Peggy Clark. He then married Reann Yearout, who died in 1995.

He is survived by a son, William P. Yearout III; a daughter, Megan Cahill; a sister, Margaret McKay of Napa Valley, Calif.; and several grandchildren.

A daughter, Christine Yearout Blankenship , died earlier.

Mr. Yearout has been cremated. The family will hold a private memorial service.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Johnson Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Lucille 86, 11Jan1919 - 07Jul2005, Olathe, Johnson, KS, KS-514-22-0345

Blankenship, Charles C. 76, 11Aug1928 - 17Jul2005, Shawnee Mission, Johnson, KS, MO-491-32-7959

Labette

2007, Oswego, Labette Co., KS, Obituary

The Morning Sun, (Pittsburg, KS) - December 24, 2007

Gerald W. (Jerry) Barnard, 89, died, Friday, December 21, 2007 at the Oswego Health Care in Oswego, Kansas. He was born March 3, 1918 in Oswego to W.W. and Bertha (Jameson) Barnard.

He married Jane I. Weeks, August 3, 1939 in Navada Missouri; she died February 15, 2002. He was a life long member of the Oswego community, serving on numerous committees and working for the Deming Investment Company an accountant and assistant treasurer until 1953. He then worked at the First National Bank of Oswego, where he spent the majority of his professional career serving as President and Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 1984.

Jerry is survived by his son Glen Barnard and wife Barbara of Englewood, CO. and three daughters: Janet K. Beggerly and husband Butch of Miami, OK., Judy A. Eliot and husband David of Claremore, OL., and Jill Blankenship and husband Dave of Oswego, 12 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren.

His parents, one brother Gordon and one sister Agnes Dickson preceded him in death.

His service will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, December 28, 2007 at the Oswego Methodist Church in Oswego with Rev. Bob Conway officiating. Burial will be in the Oswego Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2007, Parsons, Labette Co., KS, Obituary

The Morning Sun, (Pittsburg, KS) - August 11, 2007,

Winston E. Taylor, 61, of Parsons, was found at 2:45 p.m., Wednesday, August 8, 2007, at his home. His death was unexpected. He was born November 27, 1945 in Pittsburg, Kansas, a son of Henry and Vessie Lee (Hannah) Taylor.

He grew up and attended schools in Pittsburg, graduating from Pittsburg in 1964. He served in the U. S. Air Force from 1964 to 1969. After receiving his discharge, he returned to Pittsburg, where he was employed with the Pittsburg Fire Department for 18 years, retiring in 1989. He also traveled throughout the mid-west as a singing evangelist with the band "Rushing Wind" for 16 years. In 1990, he moved to Parsons. He was a member of the First Foursquare Church. He enjoyed music and fishing. He was married to Thelma "Suzie" Allmon on August 24, 1969 at Pittsburg. They were later divorced. He and Karen (Rice) Middleton were married December 24, 1991 in Miami, Oklahoma. She survives of the home.

Survivors: Wife, Karen Taylor, of the home; Two Sons – Tim Taylor and his wife, April, Lee's Summit, MO.and Royce Taylor, Atlanta, GA; One Daughter, Shannon Lynn, Pittsburg; One Step-Son, Daniel Bussinger and his wife, Lisa, Parsons; One Step-Daughter, Crystal Middleton and her companion, Harold Blankenship , Carl Junction, MO; Four Grandchildren; Three Step-Grandchildren; One Brother, Harry Taylor and his wife, Debra, Belton, MO; One Sister, Faye Smith and her companion, Gene Hendrickson, Minden Mines, MO; Numerous Nephews and Nieces; and a Host of Friends

His parents preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 14, 2007, at the First Foursquare Church in Parsons. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery, with military honors given by the Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Parsons.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2007, Parsons, Labette Co., KS, Obituary

Parsons Sun (KS) - October 30, 2007,

Kathleen R. Rice, Ph.D., 75, of Parsons died at 9:05 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Society of Parsons.

She was born July 24, 1932, in Floydada, Texas, to Isaac "Bob" and Myrtle (Henry) Roberts. She grew up in Marlow, Okla., attending school through the 11th grade there. In Altus, Okla., she graduated from high school in 1950 and attended a year of junior college. She married Richard F. Rice on Nov. 22, 1951, in Altus. Following marriage, she worked while her husband attended Oklahoma State University for three years. The next two years were spent in Floydada, Texas, before moving to Parsons in June 1956. She received her associate degree at Parsons Junior College before attending Pittsburg State University, where she earned a bachelor of science degree in English and speech journalism and a master's degree in speech and English specialist and college administration. At Kansas State University, she earned her doctorate in adult and occupational education. She worked at Labette County Junior College from 1965 to 1979, where she was part time dean of adult education and vice president of the college. During her time at the college, she received many outstanding service awards. From 1980 to 1997 she was employed by Day & Zimmermann Inc. in the personnel department. In 1997, she returned to Labette Community College as an adjunct faculty member, teaching speech until 2005. She was a member of the Swing 'n' Twirl Square Dance Club, the Parsons Quilters' Guild and enjoyed sewing at the Quilter's Bin in Altamont. She especially enjoyed attending her grandchildren's activities. Through the years, she and her family had toured 46 state capitols.

Survivors include her husband, Richard Rice, of the home; two daughters, Karen Taylor of Parsons and Nancy Kessler and her husband, Dwight, of Altamont; her grandchildren, Daniel Bussinger and his wife, Lisa, Duane Kessler and his wife, Peyton, all of Parsons, Crystal Middleton and her companion, Harold Blankenship , of Carl Junction, Mo., Jason Kessler of Dallas, Kayla Crabtree and her husband, Daniel, of Ikego, Japan, Lindsey Dameron and her husband, Tony, of Pittsburg and Leslie Kessler of Wichita; four great-grandsons; and a sister, Martha Sadler and her husband, Gayle, of Lawton, Okla.

She was preceded in death by a son, Robert Rice, on Sept. 20, 2004; and a son-in-law, Winston Taylor, on Aug. 8.

The service will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2008, Parsons, Labette Co., KS, Obituary

Parsons Sun (KS) - March 25, 2008,

JoAnn Giefer, 74, of Parsons died at 12:02 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2008, at her home. She had been in failing health. She was born June 25, 1933, in Kansas City, Mo., to Forest and Lucille ( Blankenship ) Voss.

At the age of 6, she moved with her family to Parsons, where she attended Springhill School. She was a graduate of Labette County Community High School in Altamont and Labette Community College in Parsons. She married Joseph T. "Joe" Giefer on July 8, 1950, in St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Parsons. He survives of the home. She enjoyed square dancing and especially enjoyed spending time with her family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Center Chapel Club and the Red Hat Society.

Other survivors include three sons, Joseph T. Giefer Jr. and his wife, Patricia, of Oak Grove, Mo., Michael Giefer and his wife, Peggy, of Seymour, Ind., and Chris Giefer and his wife, Lisa, of Olathe; three daughters, Regina Tredway and her husband, Nick, of Shreveport, La., Teresa Arratia and her husband, Mike, of Pineville, La., and Lisa Mailes and her husband, Bryan, of Parsons; 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; and six stepgreat-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Harry Lee Voss.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2008, Parsons, Labette Co., KS, Obituary

Parsons Sun (KS) - August 29, 2008

Richard F. Rice, 76, of Parsons, died at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin following a brief illness. He was born Jan. 17, 1932, in Lawton, Okla., to Roscoe H. and Mary Alice (McDivitte) Rice.

As a young boy, he moved with his family to Altus, Okla., where he grew up and attended schools. Following high school, he attended Oklahoma State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree. He worked as a lineman for REA Electric in Floydada, Texas, before moving in June 1956 to Parsons, where he had since lived on their farm. He farmed throughout his adult life. He also ran an avionics radio repair shop in Coffeyville. He was a deputy sheriff in the 1960s and was a diver on the Labette County search and rescue team. For a time, he also worked as a lineman at the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant.

He married Kathleen Roberts on Nov. 22, 1951, in Altus, Okla. She preceded him in death Oct. 27, 2007. He taught hunter's safety many years, was a ham radio operator and enjoyed photography. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and the Swing & Twirl Square Dance Club. He also served on the Parsons Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Adjustments for the city of Parsons.

Survivors include two daughters, Karen Taylor of Parsons and Nancy Kessler and her husband, Dwight, of Altamont; seven grandchildren, Daniel Bussinger and his wife, Lisa, of Parsons, Crystal Middleton and companion, Dr. Harold Blankenship , of Carl Junction, Mo., Duane Kessler and his wife, Peyton, of Parsons, Jason Kessler of Dallas, Kayla Crabtree and her husband, Daniel, of Zushi, Japan, Lindsey Dameron and her husband, Tony, of Pittsburg and Leslie Kessler of Wichita; four great-grandsons; a brother, David H. Rice and his wife, Margaret, of Texarkana, Texas; and a sister, Mary Ruth Miles of Sedona, Ariz.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Robert Rice, on Sept. 20, 2004; and a son-in-law, Winston Taylor, on Aug. 8, 2007.

The service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Leavenworth

2008, Leavenworth, Leavenworth Co., KS, Obituary

http://www.davisfuneralchapelinc.com/obituaries-2008.htm

Cecilia D.Ceil Blankenship, 48, passed away Monday, June 16, 2008 at her home with her husband by her side. Cecilia was born January 14, 1960 to Norman and Mary Williams (Gabrick). She was united in marriage to William Mike Blankenship. She spent her life as a homemaker. For the past several years she lived on the family farm caring for her mother-in-law. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her granddaughters. She loved a good laugh and could find humor in almost anything. She will be sincerely missed by all of her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her favorite aunt, Darlene Peters, and one niece, Lynn Williams.

She is survived by her husband of 29 years, William Mike Blankenship, of the home, son William Mighty Blankenship, Jr. and wife, Jamie, daughter Nida (Blankenship) Roberts and husband Wayne, her brothers, Kevin Williams and wife Deda, Robert Williams, sister Ruth Daniels and husband Bill, grandchildren, Alexus, Jaelyn, and Cheyenne, several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 P.M. Wednesday, June 18, 2006 at the Davis Funeral Chapel, 531 Shawnee St., Leavenworth, KS. Funeral service will be held 10 A.M. Thursday, June 19, 2008 at the funeral chapel. The Rev. Jack Divine will officiate. Burial will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2008, Leavenworth, Leavenworth Co., KS, Obituary,

Leavenworth Times , Thu Aug 21, 2008,

Lambert   "Jack" W. Frost, 85, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008, at Golden Living Center of Lansing. Jack was born July 3, 1923, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Earl and Josephine (Lutters) Frost. On Oct. 10, 1948, he married Doris L. Miller at the First Christian Church, Leavenworth.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Doris Frost; his daughter, Janet Pelton and husband Michael. He is also survived by two grandchildren, John Pelton and wife Christine and Becky Blankenship and husband Michael; three great-grandchildren, Gabrielle, Kathryn and Conner; and two brothers, Edward Frost and Robert Holmgren.

During World War II, Jack helped to clear the airfield at Fort Leavenworth while working with the Civilian Conservation Corps and he also helped build B-25s. He worked for the United States Postal Service for 25 years, retiring in 1983. He was a member of the First Christian Church, Leavenworth, where he was also a Boy Scout leader. Jack enjoyed HO model trains and playing checkers, but he especially enjoyed listening to his wife Doris play the piano.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, 2008, at the Davis Funeral Chapel. Chaplain Charles Davis will officiate. Burial will follow in the Mount Muncie Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Lyon

2006, Emporia, Lyon Co., KS, Obituary

The Dodge City Daily Globe, (KS) - July 14, 2006

Jerry Jay Blankenship , 53, died Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at Select Specialty Hospital in Topeka. He was born Nov. 5, 1952 at Emporia to Jerry Jay and Dortha Lea Beedle Blankenship .

He attended school in Chase County and graduated from Chase County High School in 1971. He had been disabled following an accident while playing in the snow in 1969. He and his mother lived in Hutchinson and Dodge City before returning to Emporia in 2002.

Survivors include one sister, Leigh Ann Crofoot, Matfield Green; one brother, Flint Blankenship , Topeka.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Brown-Bennett-Alexander Chapel, Cottonwood Falls with Rev. Pat Ireland presiding. Cremation will take place following the service with inurnment at Prairie Grove Cemetery at a later time.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Lyon Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Jerry J. 53, 05Nov1952 - 11Jul2006, Emporia, Lyon, KS, KS-513-60-4684

Marion

+2005, Florence, Marion Co., KS, Obituary

The Newton Kansan, (KS) - November 14, 2005,

Alice L. Rosiere, 82, retired hardware store employee, died Friday (Nov. 11, 2005) at St. Luke Hospital in Marion. She was born Oct. 31, 1923, to John and Roxanna Blankenship in Neosho, Mo. She married Jess Rosiere June 8, 1940, in Missouri. He preceded her in death in 1995. She was a longtime resident of the area.

Survivors include: a son, Bill Rosiere of Florence; a daughter, Janis Shanklin of Florence; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She also was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Bob Shanklin in 2005.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Zeiner Funeral Home with the Rev. Steve Hysom officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Florence.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2002, Marion, Marion Co., KS, Obituary

The Pratt Tribune, (KS) - March 18, 2002,

Agnes Pecinovsky, 83, died Mar. 17, 2002, at Marion Manor, Marion. She was born Oct. 12, 1918. A resident of Marion, she was a homemaker, farmer, and had worked at St. Luke Hospital, Marion, in the housekeeping department.

Memorial Mass will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Holy Family Catholic Church, Marion. There will be no visitation. Private inurnment service will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Tampa.

Survivors include: two sons, Jim, Pratt, and Frank, Marion; a daughter, Darlene Blankenship , Topeka; and two brothers, Jerry Vajnar, Newton, and Robert Vajnar, Tampa.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

McPherson

2003, McPherson, McPherson Co., KS, Obituary

McPherson Sentinel (KS) - September 10, 2003,

Elmer E. Larson, 90, of McPherson, died Sept. 8, 2003, at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. He was born May 6, 1913, in McPherson County, the son of John E. and Emma Carlson-Olson Larson.

A life-long McPherson County resident, he was a retired farmer and stockman. He attended McPherson County rural schools. On Aug. 1, 1937, he married Marcella Ledell at Trinity Lutheran Church in McPherson. She died Jan. 21, 2000. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, McPherson, where he served in many capacities. He also served his community by serving on the school boards of Hilton and Sunny Slope schools; served as treasurer and lineman of rural telephone line 26; served on the Harper Township Board and served on several co-op boards. He was a pioneer in soil conservation practices and received the McPherson County Bankers Award. He was a member of the Farmers Union and the McPherson Senior Center.

Survivors include: sons, Richard Larson and wife, Deana, McPherson, and Robert Larson and wife, Jolene, McPherson; daughters, Una Kay Blankenship and husband, Don, Oklahoma City, Okla., and Janet Monson and husband, Richard, Kingwood, Texas; sisters, Freda Falk, Centralia, Wash. and Myrtle Y. Lundberg, McPherson; brothers, Victor Larson and wife, Marie, McPherson, and Johnnie Larson and wife, Maxine, McPherson; eight grandchildren, Jeff and Lori Blankenship , McPherson, Ken and Cindy Blankenship , McPherson, Erick and Dee Anne Larson, Starkville, Miss., Brenda and Mark Neely, Longview, Texas, Lars Monson, Houston, Texas, Karna Cordon, Milan, Ill., Zeb Larson, Manhattan, and Samantha Larson, McPherson; six great-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, George Larson, and two sisters, Adeline Larson and Martha Hultberg.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church, McPherson, with Pastor Michael Fibranz officiating. Burial will be in McPherson Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Meade

2000, Meade, Meade Co., KS, Obituary

Southwest Daily Times (Liberal, KS) - August 13, 2000

M. Grant Hunter, 87, died Thursday, August 10, 2000, at the Lone Tree Retirement Community in Meade. He was born Oct. 8, 1912, to Jay and Evelyn (Talbott) Hunter in Sheridan County.

He married Gertrude M. Tacha Sept. 2, 1933, in Oberlin. She survives. He was a retired employee of Panhandle Eastern and a resident of Meade since 1946. He was a member of The Odd Fellows Lodge and Lions Club, all of Meade. He was also an avid bowler for 50 years.

Other survivors include two sons, Dean Hunter and wife, Phyllis, Dallas, and Dennis Hunter and wife, Debra, Bedford, Texas; two brothers, Vergil Hunter, Yakim, Wash., and Gerald Hunter, Napavine, Wash.; five sisters, Myrtle Rocci, El Cerrito, Calif., Dora Smith, Auburn, Wash., Wilma Pearson, Yakima, Leone LaPointe, Hayward, Calif., and Veda Blankenship , Visalia, Calif; and six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church, Meade, with the Rev. Harry Fink presiding. Burial will be at 4 p.m. Monday at Jennings Cemetery in Jennings.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2005, Fowler, Meade Co., KS,

Southwest Daily Times (Liberal, KS) - March 29, 2005

Bertha Blankenship, 99, died Sunday, March 27, 2005, at Meade District Hospital. She was born Aug. 17, 1905, to John and Almeada (Baker) Sobba in Greeley.

She graduated from Sawyer High School. She married Leo R. Blankenship March 7, 1930, in Wichita. He died Sept. 10, 1985. She was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and a former member of the Altar Society, both of Fowler. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting and embroidery work.

Survivors include three daughters, Cathryn Blankenship, Fowler, Leona McGraw, Wauwatosa, Wis., and Maryann Fisher and husband Jim, Garden City; three grandchildren, Leonard Fisher and wife Jan, Overland Park, Mike Fisher and wife Gloria, Moscow, and Lee McGraw, Wauwatosa, Wis.; and two great-grandchildren, Dixie and James Fisher.

She was also preceded in death by an infant son, John J. Blankenship; a son-in-law, Eldon L. McGraw; three brothers, Chris and wife Ruth, Edward and wife Edith and Joseph and wife Roslaie Sobba; and one sister, Frances Glenn and husband Clayton.

Funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fowler with Father Angel Dy presiding. Burial will be in Fowler Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Meade Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Bertha 99, 17Aug1905 - 27Mar2005, Fowler, Meade, KS, KS-511-22-9277

Montgomery

2002, Cherryvale, Montgomery Co., KS, Obituary

Parsons Sun (KS) - March 12, 2002,

Paul Eugene Blankenship , 66, of Cherryvale died at 2:05 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, 2002, at his home. He had been in failing health. He was born on June 5, 1935, at Cherryvale to Lawrence and Ida Blankenship .

He grew up and attended school in Cherryvale. For many years he was an employee of the city of Cherryvale, working for the Cherryvale Police Department and the Cherryvale Fire Department. Following his retirement, he worked at a Cherryvale grocery store. He was a member of the Bible Holiness Church of Cherryvale. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include two daughters, Nancy Blankenship and Debra Lucas, both of Dallas; and four grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place. A private family service will take place later.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2006, Cherryvale, Montgomery Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - May 9, 2006,

Ellis, Earl Vern, 95, died May 5, 2006. Service 10 a.m. Tuesday, Potts Chapel.

Survivors: friend, Erma Bennett; sons, Daryl, Kenneth, David; daughters, Earlena Beden, Elaine Bridenstine, Linda Blankenship ; sisters, Ival Kirk, Thelma Housely, Dorothy Todd; 19 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Montgomery Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Paul 66, 05Jun1935 - 01Mar2002, Cherryvale, Montgomery, KS, KS-515-28-5846

Nemaha

2001, Seneca, Nemaha Co., KS, Obituary

The Topeka Capital-Journal, (KS) - November 8, 2001,

Emma M. Rethman, 94, Seneca, died Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2001, at a Seneca hospital. Mrs. Rethman was a homemaker and farmed with her husband. She was born Jan. 8, 1907, on a farm north of St. Benedict, the daughter of Bernard and Bernadine Wahrenfeld Enneking.

She attended a rural school there. After her marriage, she lived in the Baileyville area until moving to Topeka, where she lived from 1958 to 1966. She moved to Seneca, then back to Topeka in 1984 and back to Seneca in May. Mrs. Rethman was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Seneca, and St. Ann's Altar Society at the church. She was a former member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Baileyville, where she had served as president of the Altar Society, and a former member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Topeka.

She married A.J. "Tony" Rethman on Oct. 2, 1929, at Benedict. He died May 8, 1972. She also was preceded in death by a son, Norman Rethman, on April 29, 1982; a daughter, Karylee Schiffelbein, on Sept. 18, 1999; and a granddaughter, Lori Rethman, on March 17, 1976.

Survivors include three sons, Ken Rethman, Seneca, and Jerry Rethman and Jim Rethman, both of Topeka; two daughters, Patricia Buser and Betty Blankenship -Smarker, both of Topeka; 19 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and two stepgreat-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Seneca. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Baileyville.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Neosho

2002, Chanute, Neosho Co., KS, Obituary
The Chanute Tribune, (KS) - July 26, 2002

Virginia M. Nessel, 81, Chanute and formerly of Humboldt, died Thursday, July 25, 2002, at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute. She was born Nov. 3, 1920, in Gainesville, Texas, the daughter of Marion and Melissa Louise Priddy Blankenship .

She graduated from Duncan High School in Duncan, Okla., and Hills Business University in Oklahoma City, Okla. She worked for Dr. Vestle and Dr. Satterfield in Humboldt as secretary and receptionist for many years. She was later employed as a secretary for Chanute Grain and Seed. After retirement she volunteered at the American Red Cross and the snack bar at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. She enjoyed sewing and needlepoint.

On June 7, 1940, she married Edwin A. Nessel in Duncan, Okla. He survives. Other survivors include a son, Dr. Larry E. Nessel of Lakewood, Colo.; a daughter, Pamela K. Bagley of Wichita; a sister, JoAnn Roehl of Appleton, Wis.; two brothers, William Blankenship of Garland, Texas and Marvin Blankenship of Duncan, Okla.; four grandsons and two great-granddaughters.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday , July 29, at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Humboldt led by the Rev. David Meier. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Humboldt.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2003, Chanute, Neosho Co., KS, Obituary

The Chanute Tribune, (KS) - June 20, 2003,

Edwin A. Nessel, 84, Chanute and formerly of Humboldt, died Wednesday, June 18, 2003, at the Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. He was born Aug. 16, 1918, in Humboldt, the son of John and Jesse Riley Nessel.

He was raised and attended public schools in Humboldt, graduating from Humboldt High School. He went on to attended the Hills Business University, Oklahoma City, Okla. He worked briefly for Beech Aircraft Company, Wichita, then served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He worked at Monarch Cement Company from the early 1950s until his retirement in 1980. He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Humboldt. He enjoyed playing golf, woodworking and traveling.

On June 7, 1940, he married Virginia M. Blankenship in Duncan, Okla. She died July 25, 2002.

Survivors include a son, Dr. Larry E. Nessel, Lakewood, Colo.; a daughter, Pamela K. Bagley, Wichita; four grandsons and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, June 23, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Humboldt, led by the Rev. David Meier. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Humboldt.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2004, Chanute, Neosho Co., KS, Obituary

Chanute Tribune, 7/10/2004

Mildred E. "Millie" Bird, 85, Chanute, died Saturday, July 3, 2004, at Shawnee Mission Medical Center in Shawnee Mission. She was born Sept. 13, 1918, in Humboldt, the daughter of Wesley and Ella Rose Roberts Jewell. She was raised and attended school in Humboldt, graduating from Humboldt High School in 1936. She and her husband owned and operated People's Cleaners in Chanute. She also worked at Anderson's Grocery Store for many years. In 1959, she started working at First National Bank as a teller, retiring after 25 years service. She was a member of Otterbein United Methodist Church. She enjoyed bowling, fishing, camping and hunting. On Nov. 29, 1939, she married Lue A. Bird in Ottawa. He died in March 1997.

Survivors include a daughter, Judy Blankenship, Lake Quivira; her friend and caregiver, Lora Gentry; and two grandsons. She was preceded in death by a brother, Wesley Jewell Jr., and a sister, Dorothy Jewell Dilley.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, July 12, at Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel, Chanute, led by the Rev. Frank Morgan. Burial will follow in Neosho County Memorial Park Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Norton

2008, Norton, Norton Co., KS, Obituary

The Hays Daily News, (KS) - April 3, 2008

Reva May Heikes-Zierlein, 86, Norton, died Monday, March 31, 2008, in Edmond, Okla. She was born Feb. 10, 1922, in Rapid City, S.D., to W.O. and Louisa (Richardson) DeWitt. She married Charles David Heikes on July 4, 1940. He preceded her in death Dec. 12, 1985. She later married Elmer Zierlein on Aug. 31, 1991. He preceded her in death Sept. 16, 2007.

Survivors include a son, Ron Heikes, Wichita; two daughters, Deanna Blankenship and Ginny Harper, both of Edmond; three step-sons, Lloyd Zierlein, Norton, Larry Zierlein, Pittsburgh, and Lynn Zierlein, Smith Center; two sisters, Edie Lenerville and Millie Bernhart, both of Cypress, Calif.; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; and 10 step-great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Enfield Funeral Home, Norton; burial in Norton Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Osage

2009, Burlingame, Osage Co., KS, Obituary

The Topeka Capital-Journal, (KS) - June 15, 2009,

Casey William Reed, 33, of Burlingame, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2009. He was born May 19, 1976 in Topeka, KS, the son of John William and Ila J. (Houston) Reed. He was a graduate of Washburn Rural High School.

Survivors include his son, Nathanel Ryan Reed of Topeka; his mother, Ila J. Baker and her husband, Michael of Burlingame; his father, John William Reed and his wife, Linda of Jacksonville, FL; his brother, John William Keith and his wife, Angie of Perry; his sister, Kellie Dougan and her husband, Darrel of Topeka; nieces and nephews, Chris Dougan, Savannah Hays, Connor Dougan, Madeline Hays, Kayleb Brooks, Jack Dougan; maternal grandparents, Chuck and Billie Blankenship of Fredericksburg, TX, Greg and Terry Houston of Davidson N.C.; paternal aunts, Jeanette Crispin, Linda (Jack) Young; maternal aunts and uncles, Susan (Mike) Dunnaway, Marilyn (Mark) OBrien, Greg Houston, Bill (Sara) Houston, Phillip (Mary Beth) Houston.

He was preceded in death by his aunt, Anita Hamilton.

Mr. Reed was cremated. Memorial services will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2005, Lyndon, Osage Co., KS, Obituary

The Ottawa Herald, (KS) - December 5, 2005,

Margarette May ( Blankenship ) Knight Rich, 88, died Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005. She was born Jan. 16, 1917, to Hoyt and Ola May (Hamner) Blankenship .

She married Dean A. Knight Oct. 21, 1933, at Emporia. He preceded her in death in 1964. She married Charles K. Rich in 1978 at Miami, Okla. He preceded her in death in 1981. She worked for the Clerk of the District Court for 24 years. She also was preceded in death by four sisters, Catheryn Blakenship, Vida Rice, Bessie Neith and Bird Slankard; and two brothers, Everett and George Blankenship.

Survivors include a daughter, Sharon Knight, Orange, Calif.; two sons, Larry Knight, Boston, and Gary Knight, Lyndon; and one sister, Lois Myers, Centropolis.

Services were Saturday at the Lyndon United Methodist Church.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2009, Osage City, Osage Co., KS, Funeral

Topeka Capital-Journal , December 10, 2009,

Christine Blankenship, 84, of Osage City, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 9, 2009, at Midland Hospice Care in Topeka, Kansas. Memorial services will be at 2:00 PM, Saturday, December 12, 2009, at the Kingdom Hall of the Jehovahs Witnesses, Lyndon, Kansas. Private interment will be in Wilmington Cemetery, near Harveyville. She will lie in state from 3:00 until 8:00 PM Friday with the family receiving friends from 7:00 to 8:00 PM, at VanArsdale Funeral Chapel in Osage City.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2007, Vassar, Osage Co., KS, Obituary

The Ottawa Herald, (KS) - August 15, 2007,

Kenneth Kistner went to be with his Lord after a battle with pancreatic cancer on August 13, 2007. He was born June 30, 1943, to Loran and Muriel (Westfall) Kistner of Waverly. He was raised in Waverly. He moved to Overbrook in the early 1970s; Beloit in 1972; Waverly in 1974; Ottawa in 1999; Williamsburg in 2000 and Vassar in 2003.

Kenny attended the Waverly school system until his graduation from high school in 1961. He attended Baker University on a football scholarship and then attended Emporia State University. He owned and operated grocery stores in Beloit and Waverly. He was circulation manager for The Ottawa Herald for seven years until his retirement in 2005. In his spare time, he could be found either on a golf course, at a Kansas State game or caring for his beautiful flowers. He was a man who loved God, his family and K-State. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Community Church in Vassar and former member of Williamsburg United Methodist Church. In November of 1990, Kenny was united in marriage with Linda Blankenship of Osage City. She survives of the home.

Survivors also include daughter and son-in-law, Genella and Jeff Lewallen, Sioux Falls, S.D.; son and daughter-in-law, John and Kristin McGrath, Ottawa; son and daughter-in-law, Berry and Sabetha Kistner, Millville, Utah; daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Cory Roberts, Bartlett, Ill.; son and daughter-in-law, Karl and Caroline McWilliams, Melvern; sister and husband, Juanita and James Phillips, Waverly; brother and wife, Russell and Linda Kistner, Waverly; brother and wife, Oscar and Lynda Kistner, Waverly; brother and wife, Dwight and Christine Kistner, Waverly; grandchildren, Kayla Loren O'Bannion, Zachary Thomas Lewallen, Stephanie Lynn Lewallen, Lillian Christine McWilliams, Molly Mae McGrath, Sara Elizabeth McWilliams, Canyon Kenneth Roberts and Cole David McGrath; a soon to be born grandchild, Baby Roberts, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Geneva and Everett Phillips; and father and mother-in-law, George and Lola (Whitacre) Blankenship .

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, 2007, at Mt. Pleasant Church, Vassar. Burial will be at Princeton Cemetery, Princeton.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Osage Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Christine Mae 84, 25Aug1925 - 09Dec2009, Osage City, Osage, KS, OK-445-22-1264

Pottawatomie

2003, Wamego, Pottawatomie Co., KS, Obituary

The Manhattan Mercury, (KS) - June 4, 2003,

Lucille E. Farrell, 83, Wamego, died June 3 at the Westy Care Home in Westmoreland. She was a lifelong resident of the community. She was born Jan. 6, 1920, near Belvue. She attended school at Wells Creek. She married Thomas Farrell on Sept. 24, 1988. He preceded her in death on Jan. 21, 1999. Mrs. Farrell was a cook for many years at Kansas State University, the Alma Manor, and Valley Vista Good Samaritan Center. She was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ, Kaw Social Club, and the Wells Creek Card Club.

Survivors include two stepdaughters, Martina Schroeder, Wells Creek, and Patsy Blankenship , Blaine; three stepsons, Tom Farrell and John Furney, both of Wamego, and George Furney, Wichita; eight grandchildren; and an uncle.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 Friday at Immanuel United Church of Christ-Wells Creek, with Rev. Robert Treichel officiating. Burial will follow in Wells Creek Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Pratt

+2000, Pratt, Pratt Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - March 29, 2000,

Richard James Jones, 90, of Payson, Ariz., formerly of Wichita, retired Boeing Wichita machine shop employee and Wichita Eagle employee, died Saturday, March 25, 2000. Service 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Greenlawn Cemetery, Pratt.

Survivors: nephews, Dan Blankenship of Pratt, EJ McGuire of Zenda, Merwyn McGuire of Johnstown, Colo.; nieces, Mary Smith of Payson, Ariz., Karellen Larrison of Pratt; five grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2007, Pratt, Pratt Co., KS, Obituary

The Pratt Tribune, (KS) - July 25, 2007,

Donal "Dan" Blankenship, 79, died July 19, 2007, at his home, Pratt. Graveside memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Greenlawn Cemetery, with Chaplain Fred Pinkerton officiating. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation.

He was born June 24, 1928, at Pratt, the son of Otto H. and Cora Leona Jones Blankenship. Dan earned his PhD in educational administration and taught high school English in Kansas, Iowa and California. He also coached and taught driver's education and drove the school bus. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1946-1948 and 1951-1954 and the reserves until 1965, when he moved to California. He retired as a captain. He was a former member of the VFW and American Legion. He married Patsy Ruth Harzman on Nov. 10, 1946. She died Aug. 31, 2000.

Survivors include: three sons, Don and wife Carol, Jay, and Brad and wife Brenda, all of Pratt; two daughters, Kathy and husband Al Adams, Golden Valley, Ariz., and Nancy and husband Wally Fry, Oxnard, Calif.; a sister, Mary Smith, Payson, Arizona; 23 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jack; and a grandson.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Pratt Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Donal Daniel 79, 24Jun1928 - 19Jul2007, Pratt, Pratt, KS, KS-515-14-3525

Reno

2004, Hutchinson, Reno Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - April 13, 2004

Rose, Marjory E., 82, retired receptionist, died April 11, 2004. Service 2 p.m. Wednesday, Johnson and Sons Funeral Home.

Survivors: husband, Earl; sons, James, Darrell, Bryan; daughters, Deann Blankenship, Karen Swanson; sister, Velma Harris; 9 grandchildren; 2 great-gr andchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2005, Hutchinson, Reno Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, The (KS) - March 8, 2005

Moore, Peggy Louise, 74, died March 6, 2005. Service 2 p.m. today, Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home.

Survivors: son, Jeffrey Olivan of Houston, TX; sisters, Billie Blankenship of Fredericksburg, TX, Pat Wolf of Great Bend.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2005, Hutchinson, Reno Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - March 25, 2005

Morrison, Ray Alton "Scooter," 80, died March 22, 2005 at his residence in Hutchinson. He was born Dec. 16, 1924 at Isabel, KS, the son of Robert A. & Metta Blankenship Morrison.

He received his BA from Wichita State University, where he also played, coached and in 1982 was inducted into the Wichita State Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a High School and College Football and Baseball Coach. He taught and coached from 1950-64 both on the high school level at Cheney, Pratt, & Clearwater and on the University level at Friends University, Southwestern College and Wichita State University. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church. He was a US Marine Corps veteran.

On March 31, 1946, he married Jeanette Miessler at Argonia. She survives. Other survivors include son, Ron, Olathe; daughters, Charlene Jackson, Olathe, Candyce Clinesmith, Wichita; brothers, Jim, Pretty Prairie, Dave, Denver, Bob, South Hutchinson: sisters, Wilma Wilkerson, Eureka, Geneva Poe & Shirley Allbright, both of Milton; 7 grandchildren & 7 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by brothers, Dale, Vern, & Ralph.

Funeral service 10 a.m. today, Christ Lutheran Church, Hutchinson. Interment in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Preston.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2005, Hutchinson, Reno Co., KS, Obituary

The Hutchinson News, (KS) - September 24, 2005,

Edith P. Jones, 83, died Sept. 22, 2005, at Hutchinson Hospital. She was born Jan. 19, 1922, in Brookings, Ore., the daughter of James Edward and Josephine Bernadine Forge Duffin. She graduated from St. Teresa's Catholic School in 1941 and Adela Hale Business College in 1942. A Hutchinson resident since 1927, she was a homemaker. She belonged to St. Teresa's Catholic Church since 1927, St. Teresa's Altar Society, Reno County Genealogical Society, and was past president and treasurer of the PTA.

On April 26, 1945, she married Robert G. "Bob" Jones, in Kansas City, Mo. He died Sept. 12, 2001.

Survivors include: three sons, Stephen W., Hutchinson, Robert J., Potomac, Md., and Charles W., Gardner; three brothers, Ray Duffin and George Duffin, both of Wheatland, Mo., and Bill Duffin, Springhill; three sisters, Bernadine Stroberg, Hutchinson, Betty Rothweiler, Sun City, Ariz., and Dorothy Thede, Lady Lake, Fla.; five grandchildren, Douglas Walker, Dr. Kendra Sirolly, Brooksley Jones, Kevin Jones and Ryan Jones; and a great-grandchild, Christopher Sirolly.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Duffin; and a sister, Kay Blankenship . Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Teresa's Catholic Church, Hutchinson, with Father Stuart M. Smeltzer and Father Ned J. Blick presiding. Burial will be in Penwell-Gabel's Memorial Park Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2005, Hutchinson, Reno Co., KS, Obituary

The Hutchinson News, (KS) - December 29, 2005,

Earl James Rose, 84, Hutchinson, joined his beloved wife, Marjory, in heaven, on Dec. 26, 2005. He was born April 27, 1921, the son of Earl James Sr. and Vella Ruth Tendick Rose, in Frederick, Okla.

He graduated from Kismet High School in Kismet. He attended Dodge City Community College. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Employed for approximately 40 years with Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Co., his work experience began in Liberal, retiring in Haven. He moved to Hutchinson in 1963. He and his wife were members of the Hutchinson Community College Booster Club and Park Place Christian Church. They were active supporters of the Hutchinson Symphony.

He married Marjory Ellen McCollom on Dec. 30, 1945, in Kismet. She passed away on April 11, 2004.

He is survived by: three sons, James Rose and his wife Kathi, Jacksonville, Fla., Darrell Rose and his wife Jancy, Colorado Springs, Colo. and Bryan Rose, Denver; two daughters, Deann Blankenship and her husband Larry, Topeka and Karen Swanson and her husband Dana, Hutchinson; nine grandchildren, Jennifer Denison and her husband Brad, Angela Gann and her husband Brock, Gage Swanson and his wife Carrie, Cody Swanson, Laura Blankenship , Riley Swanson and his wife Lydia, Dillon Rose, James Blankenship and Logan Rose; five great-grandchildren, Madison, Anna, Colin, Ava and Natalie; and an aunt, Catherine Tendick, Newton.

He was preceded in death by: his parents and a brother, Ray Rose. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Grace Bible Church, 1221 East 33rd Ave., with Pastor Rick Goertzen presiding. Interment will be in Fairlawn Burial Park.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2006, Hutchinson, Reno Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - February 9, 2006

Gossage, Gladys F., 94, died Feb. 8, 2006. Service 10 a.m. Saturday, Forest Park Presbyterian Church.

Survivors: loved ones, Winnie Bailey, Carole Boyle and daughter, Marisa, Mike Foster, Beth Reed, Jane Nevius, Jeanne Allen, Beth Blankenship .

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2006, Hutchinson, Reno Co., KS, Obituary

The Hutchinson News, (KS) - July 1, 2006

Bob E. Morrison, 73, died June 30, 2006, at his home, Hutchinson. He was born April 15, 1933, in Edmond, Okla., the son of Robert A. and Metta B. Blankenship Morrison. He graduated from Pretty Prairie High School in 1952. A resident of Hutchinson since 1979, he retired from Dillon's Milk Plant in 1995. He belonged to Crestview Bible Church.

On Aug. 30, 1958, he married Leona F. Zerger in Plains. She survives. Other survivors include: a son, Tom and his wife, Kasie, South Hutchinson; a daughter, Judy and husband, Dennis Uecker, Overland Park; two brothers, Jim, Pretty Prairie, and Dave, Brighton, Colo.; two sisters, Wilma Wilkerson, Eureka, and Geneva Poe, Milton; and three granddaughters, Amy Morrison, and Laura and Annie Uecker.

He was preceded in death by a son, Larry Morrison; four brothers, Dale, Vern, Ralph and Ray; and a sister, Shirley Albright.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Crestview Bible Church, with Pastor Phil Auxier and Pastor Rick Goertzen presiding. Burial will be in Lonestar Cemetery, rural Pretty Prairie.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2007, Hutchinson, Reno Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - May 10, 2007,

Ford, Beatrice "Bea," 88, died May 8, 2007. Service 10 a.m. Friday, Elliott Mortuary.

Survivors: sons, Sherburne and Ronald Blankenship ; daughters, Judith marshall, Gayle Miller; brothers, Ben, Bill, Bob and Dick Smith; sister, Betty Hettrick; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Reno Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Dorotha L. 73, 28Sep1928 - 28Aug2002, Hutchinson, Reno, KS, KS-514-58-4539

Blankenship, Kathryn 79, 28Apr1920 - 15Mar2000, Hutchinson, Reno, KS, KS-509-20-6842

Rice

2006, Lyons, Rice Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - May 7, 2006,

Blankenship , Edna Opal, 90, homemaker, died May 6, 2006. Service 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, First United Methodist Church.

Survivors: sons, Gerald D. of Shell Knob, Mo., Larry W. of Wichita; daughter, DeAnn Poppelreiter of Holyrood; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2006, Lyons, Rice Co., KS, Obituary

The Hutchinson News, (KS) - December 25, 2006

Lila L. Hunt, 78, died Dec. 22, 2006, at Lyons District Hospital. She was born March 6, 1928, in Springfield, Mo., the daughter of Frank Vincen and Myrtle Lee Sandlin Earl.

She graduated from Florence High School. A resident of Lyons since 1949, she was a retired sales clerk for J.C. Penney, Lyons. She belonged to First Christian Church, Lyons, and was a volunteer BINGO caller at Sunflower Estates, Lyons. On June 15, 1947, she married John D. Hunt, in Florence. He died Oct. 3, 1993.

Survivors include: four sons, John L., Kingwood, Texas, Rick, Manhattan, Gary, Phoenix, and Brad, Lyons; a daughter, Leanna Beeson, Wichita; two stepdaughters, Carol Wilson, Millington, Tenn., and Jerry Charles, Drummond, Tenn.; a sister, Mary Schroeder, Richland Hills, Texas; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, David J. Hunt; a brother, Ralph Hyatt; and a sister Faye Blankenship .

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at First Christian Church, Lyons, with the Rev. Gary Brooks presiding. Burial will be in Lyons Municipal Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Rice Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Tamara A. 55, 03Apr1951 - 31Jan2007, Lyons, Rice, KS, CA-571-84-9973

Riley

+2002, Manhattan, Riley Co., KS, Obituary

The Topeka Capital-Journal, (KS) - April 19, 2002

Rose M. Blankenship , 66, Manhattan, died Wednesday, April 17, 2002, at a Manhattan hospital. Mrs. Blankenship was a cashier for the N.A.F. at Fort Riley. She also had been the cafeteria cashier at McCall Pattern Co. She was born Jan. 1, 1936, in White Hall, N.Y. She had lived in Manhattan since 1976.

She married William Blankenship on June 21, 1958, in Waukegan, Ill. He survives. Survivors also include a daughter, Annette Sanford, Manhattan; two sons, Michael Blankenship, Manhattan, and Troy Blankenship, Wamego; and three grandchildren.

Cremation is planned, with private family services to be conducted later.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Riley Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Rose M. 66, 01Jan1936 - 17Apr2002, Manhattan, Riley, KS, NY-122-28-3898

Saline

2006, Salina, Saline Co., KS, Obituary

The Salina Journal, (KS) - March 4, 2006,

Clifton "Cliff" Blankenship, 82, Salina, died Thursday, March 2, 2006. Mr. Blankenship was born Jan. 5, 1924, in Logan, W.Va.

He married Virginia on June 25, 1960, in Oscoda, Mich. He was retired from the U.S. Air Force as technical sergeant in 1965 after 22 years of service. He also worked as a tool-and-dye maker for Federal Mogul Manufacturing for 18 years. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, from 1943 to 1945, during which time he was awarded the Purple Heart, European and Africa and Middle Eastern service stars, World War II victory medal, the Bronze Star and combat infantry badge. While serving in the U.S. Air Force, he received the Korean service medal, United Nations service medal, National Defense service medal, good conduct medal, Air Force longevity service award and Air Force outstanding unit award. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, a life member of the Scottish Rite, the Isis Shrine, the Isis Patrol, Salina Masonic Lodge No. 60 and VFW Post No. 1432 and a lifetime member of Elks Lodge No. 718.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia, of Salina; two sons, James of Tampa, Fla., and Greg of Wichita; four daughters, Janet Carter of Buchanan, Tenn., Erin Bender of Salina, Bobbie Rash of Newark, Del., and Lori Werth of Alpena, Mich.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at St. John's Lutheran Church, Salina. Burial will be in Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2007, Salina, Saline Co., KS, Obituary

http://www.ryanmortuary.com/obits/2007/bla71220.html

Jo Ann P. "Jody" Blankenship, 77, Salina, died Thursday, December 20, 2007. Mrs. Blankenship was born Jo Ann Phyllis Just on Nov. 4, 1930, in Salina. She was a clerk secretary for Beech Aircraft, Salina, for many years, retiring in 1994. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack.

Survivors include a brother, Jerry Just of Pawnee City, Neb.; two sisters, Marilyn Waddington of Waxhaw, N.C., and Carole Batts of Wilson, N.C.; three nieces; and five nephews.

A graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday in Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2007, Salina, Saline Co., KS, Death

The Salina Journal, (KS) - December 21, 2007,

Jo-Ann P. Blankenship , 77, Salina, died Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007. Ryan Mortuary, Salina, is handling arrangements.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Saline Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Clifton 82, 05Jan1924 - 02Mar2006, Salina, Saline, KS, KY-401-26-0763

Blankenship, Jo-Ann 77, 04Nov1930 - 20Dec2007, Salina, Saline, KS, KS-510-26-7153

Sedgwick

2004, Clearwater, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - October 8, 2004,

Faulkner, Hazel M. (Phillippe), 90, homemaker, died Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2004. Visitation 1 to 8 p.m. Friday, Webb-Shinkle Mortuary; service 11 a.m. Saturday, Clearwater United Methodist Church.

Preceded in death by husband, Lester; 6 brothers; 2 sisters; 1 grandchild; 1 great-grandchild.

Survivors: son, Gary Faulkner of Gainesville, TX; daughters and sons-in- law, Sue and Larry Hickey of Boulder, CO, Kathy and Virgil Youngers of Clearwater; sisters, Ruth Blankenship of Indianapolis, IN, Nellie Elliott of Mt. Hope; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2007, Clearwater, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - January 4, 2007

Keeler, Homer L., 85, retired truck mechanic, died Monday, Jan. 1, 2007, Visitation, Thursday Jan 4, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. with family present, 5-7 p.m. at Webb-Shinkle Mortuary, Clearwater. Graveside service, 2 p.m. Friday, Clearwater Cemetery.

Preceded in death by parents, Fred and Mattie; brothers, Virgel, Donald, Bill, Freddie and Dale; sisters, Goldie Keeler, Montie Blankenship.

Survived by wife, Leota; sons, Jerry (Pam), Russell (Nancy), Keith all of Wichita, Larry (Sandi) of Clearwater; brothers, Gene and Vaughn, both of Marshfield, MO; sisters, Virgie Vitetoe, Lydia Klier, Celesta Davis, all of Marshfield, Leota Mingus of Seymore, MO. 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2003, Cheney, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary
The Wichita Eagle, (KS) Date: January 7, 2003,

 Roberts, Henrietta Magdalene (Jones), 91, retired teacher and homemaker, died Sunday, Jan. 5, 2003 at Cheney Golden Age Home. Service 10 a.m. Wednesda y, Cheney United Methodist Church; burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

She was born July 22, 1911 at Enterprise, Kan., to Clarence and Edna Jones. Her mother, Edna, passed away when Henrietta was three years old. She was raised by her father and stepmother, Lydia. She graduated from Enterprise High School, attended and graduated from Wesleyan University and Baker University. She was a teacher and missionary before marriage. She married Delano H. Roberts at Ava, Mo., on May 28, 1936. They lived in Solomon, Kan. until 1942, then moved to Cheney, Kan. She was a member of the United Methodist Church at Cheney and was active in church activities.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Edna Gladys (Koch) Jones; father, Clarence Everett Jones; stepmother, Lydia (Borgman) Jones; two brothers, Henry Jones, Raymond (Jones) Engle; grandson, Brett Roberts of Cheney; great-grandson, Kenneth James, 11; son-in-law, Ray Blankenship ; daughter-in-law, Donna Roberts.

Survivors: husband, Delano; sons, Craig, Darrell, both of Wichita, Stuart of Hutchinson; brother, Merlin Jones of Plymouth, Ind.; daughter, Sylvia Long of Wichita; sisters, Evelyn Nickelson of Sabetha, Slyvia Blanding of Manhattan; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2002, Derby, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - January 8, 2002

Blankenship, Grace "Louise," 92, retired dental assistant and childcare provider, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2002. Visitation 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, Smith Mortuary, Derby; service 2 p.m. Wednesday, Hatfield-Smith Funeral Home, Belle Plaine.

Preceded in death by husband, Gordon Blankenship in 1990; two brothers and two sisters.

Survivors: daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Glen Tole of Wichita, Dorothy and Ron Metzger of Fall River, Barbara and Frank Webb of Port Aransas, Texas; sister, Nellie Luttrell of Bulverde, Texas; grandchildren, Jamie Ray, Mark Province, Kristy Ray, Cindy Antish, Steve Province; great-grandchildren, Lyndsey and Jarred Brouhard, Lane Province; step-grandchildren, Sharron Boyd, Cindy Montgomery, Raymond Tole, David Tole, Rhonda Metzger; 12 step-great-grandchildren; host of family and friends at the Villa Maria, Mulvane.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2007, Mt. Hope, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - March 6, 2007,

Elliott, Nellie Angeline was born on Oct. 25, 1917 in Wichita, Kansas. Her parents were Levi and Ellen Phillippe. Upon the death of her mother, Robert and Jesse Baird of Mount Hope adopted Nellie. On March 29, 1936, she married Loren Elliott of Valley Center and they became the parents of seven children; Angeline, Bob, Richard, Rayle, Bill, Joe and Jon. As the children married, nineteen grandchildren came to know and love Grandma Nellie. Later 25 great grandchildren came to know and also love Great Grandma Nellie. Nellie was a member of Riverlawn Christian Church.

Nellie was preceded in death by her sisters, Geneva Johnson, Bertha Clark and Hazel Faulkner, five brothers and two grandsons, Gary Cupps and Ryan Elliott.

Nellie is survived by her husband of 71 years, Loren of Mt. Hope, sister, Ruth Blankenship of Indianapolis, IN, daughter and son in law, Angie and Jay Bond of Wichita, sons and daughters in law, Bob and Cathy, Rayle and Carlene, Joe of Mt. Hope, Richard and Patricia of Kearney, NE, Bill and Jon of Wichita, 19 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, a loving mother and grandmother to all!

Visitation Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Hillside Funeral Home West, 2929 W. 13th St., services, Wednesday, 1:30 p.m. at Riverlawn Christian Church, burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2003, Oatville, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - December 21, 2003,

Russell, "Sugar" Ray, 69, Mel Hambelton security employee, passed away Dec. 17, 2003. Visitation 9-5 Fri., 9-8 Sat., 1-8 Sun., Culbertson-Smith Mortuary; service 11am Mon., Westside Freewill Baptist Church; burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Oatville.

Ray was born Nov. 22, 1934 in Eagle City, OK. On Sept. 1, 1963, he married Karen Sue Mears in Newkirk, OK.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Bond Russell & Mildred Blankenship; sisters, Betty & Velma Benbrook.

Survivors: wife, Karen Sue; daughters, Cheryl Oran, Mena, AR, Laurie Bates, Donita Russell, Denise Wiechman all of Wichita; grandchildren, Cliff Russell of the home, Christian Santiago, Desirae Singleton, Chavis Bates, Lyndsey Wiechman, Tobie & Jodie; 2 great-grandchildren; & a host of family and friends.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2005, Schulte, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, The (KS) - April 15, 2005

Becker, John Jr. B. 83, retired Beech Aircraft Machinist, died Wednesday, April 13, 2005.Visitation 9 A.M.- 4 P.M. Friday, at Webb-Shinkle Mortuary, Clearwater; Rosary 7 P.M. Friday, Funeral Mass, 10:30 A.M. both at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, Schulte.

He served in the U.S. Navy during WW II. He enjoyed wood working, golf, water color painting and attending his children's and grandchildren's activities.

Preceded in death by son, John Henry; Sisters, Margaret Carlisle, Donna Ensey, Beverly Condit.

Survived by wife Barbara; sons, Daniel, Clearwater, Edward (Lisa), Topeka; daughters, Patricia Becker, Marysville, CA, Kathleen (Ron) Cunning, Weatherford, TX, Mary Brewster, Carol (Bob) Weaver, Elizabeth Gaida, Janet (Eric) Blankenship, Eileen Ball, all of Wichita; Brothers, Garrol (Pat) Becker, Hutchinson, James (Margie), Okla. City; Sisters, Dorothy Wolf, Wink, TX, Georgia Thomas, Kansas City, MO, Dolores (Ray) Staats, Hoodsport, WA; 27 Grandchildren, 14 Great-Grand children.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2005, Valley Center, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - February 20, 2005

Wilson, John Herbert, 75, mechanic, passed away Fri, Feb 18. Visitation, 6-8 pm Mon, Feb 21 at Baker Funeral Home, 100 S. Cedar, Valley Center. Graveside Service, 2 pm Tues, Feb 22, Hillside Cemetery, Sedgwick.

He was born September 25, 1929 to Harold J. Wilson & Ruth O. (Blankenship) Wilson in Lincoln Twp, Emporia, Kansas. He was a veteran of the US Army & Korean War.

He is survived by his spouse, Bobbie Wilson, of the home; Randy Moore, Amiee Moore, Crystal Trower, all of KS; Kelly Wickham, WI; Lisa Wickham, David Wilson, both of OK; John Wilson, Wimpy Wilson, both of MO; Jim Wilson, Jennifer Wilson, both of KS.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2007, Valley Center, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Emporia Gazette, (KS) - June 1, 2007,

The graveside service for former Cottonwood Falls resident John Elmer Bell of Valley Center will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Matfield Green Cemetery in Matfield Green. The Rev. Melody Kimbrel of the Cottonwood Falls United Methodist Church will conduct the service. Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honor Guard.

Mr. Bell died Thursday, May 31, 2007, at Asbury Park care center in Newton. He was 91. He was a pulling unit foreman for Phillips Petroleum in the Hays-Plainville-Great Bend area for 32 years before he retired. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. The son of Wardie E. and Josephine McHone Bell, he was born March 2, 1916, in Rosalia.

He married Ruby Perkins in March 1936 in Cottonwood Falls. She survives. Mr. Bell was a member of the Christian Church. He was a 32nd degree Mason with the Masonic Lodge at Lyons. He is also survived by two daughters, Darlene Kasselman of Valley Center and Diane Cunningham of Park City; one son, Ronald Bell of Bushton; a twin sister, Ellen Berno of Topeka; nine grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Two sisters, Myrle Skinner Cofer and Mabel Blankenship, died earlier.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2000, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - January 22, 2000

Larson, Marcella, 87, retired schoolteacher, died Friday, Jan. 21, 2000. Service 11 a.m. Monday, Trinity Lutheran Church.

Survivors: husband, Elmer; sons, Richard, Robert, both of McPherson; daughters, Una Kay Blankenship of Oklahoma City, Janet Monson of Kingwood, Texas; brothers, Harry Ledell, Burdett Ledell, sister, Esther Hjerpe, all of McPherson; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three stepgrea t-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2000, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - February 21, 2000

Dodson, Roy William, 84, retired Iron Workers Union Local 606, died Saturday, Feb. 19, 2000. Service 11 a.m. Tuesday, Kirby-Morris Funeral Home.

Survivors: wife, Kathryn; sons, Don of El Dorado, Lorren of Benton, Duane of Mannford, Okla.; sister, Goldie Blankenship of Titusville, Fla.; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2000, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - March 11, 2000

Blankenship, Kay, 79, former taxi driver, died Thursday, March 9, 2000. Rosary 7 p.m.; visitation with family 7 to 9 p.m. both Monday, Johnson & Sons Funeral Home; funeral mass 10 a.m. Tuesday, St. Teresa's Catholic Church.

Survivors: daughter, Sherry Broomfield of Sterling; brothers, George, Raymond Duffin both of Wheatland, Mo., Bill Duffin of Spring Hill; sisters, Edith Jones, Bernie Stroberg both of Hutchinson, Betty Rothweiler of Sun City, Ariz., Dorie Thede of Lady Lake, Fla.; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchild ren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2000, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - March 24, 2000

Blankenship, Julia Anna, 68, homemaker, died Tuesday, March 21, 2000. Service 1 p.m. Saturday, Resthaven Mortuary, Wichita.

Survivors: husband, James; sons, Ricky of Glendora, Calif., Micky of Los Angeles; daughters, Linda Bennett of Wichita, Kathy Dorsey of Topeka, Katherine Woods of West Covina, Calif., Sonja Wilson of Amory, Miss.; brothers, William Gardenhire, James Gardenhire both of Haysville, Donald Gardenhire of Mulvane, Theadore Gardenhire, Robert Gardenhire both of San Diego, Orville Gardenhire of Altamont; sister, Darlene Dejulio of Montrose, Colo.; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2000, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - April 14, 2000

Keller, Oran O. Jr. "Keller," 74, retired Universal Motor Oils truck driver, died Thursday, April 13, 2000. Rosary 7 p.m. Sunday; funeral mass 10 a.m. Monday, both at Church of the Resurrection.

Survivors: wife, Leoba; son, Gene of San Diego; daughters, Jan McGonigle of Park City, Jerri Altendorf of Chandler, Ariz.; stepmother, Elsie Blankenship; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2001, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - September 16, 2001

Schiesser, Maude, 94, homemaker and former teacher, died Friday, Sept. 14, 2001. Service 2 p.m. Monday, United Methodist Church.

Survivors: sons, Donald, Dennis both of Allen, Terry of York, Pa.; daughter, Dianne Mann of Allen; sister, Doris Blankenship of Silver Lake; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2001, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - September 27, 2001

Blalock, John L., 62, retired artist, died Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2001. Private service. Mr. Blalock donated his body to the Kansas University Medical Center for research.

Preceded in death by parents, Fredrick and Elsie (Blankenship) Blalock and brothers, David, Fred and Brian.

Survivors: brothers and sisters-in-law, Perry and Karen Blalock of Smithvil le, Texas, F. Brent and Carol Blalock of Mulvane; sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Harold Shaw of Rogers, Ark.; nephews, Forest Archibald, Steven Blalock; nieces, Itsy Blalock, Brenda Summers, Lorrey Douglas, Dana Wilson.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2001, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - November 16, 2001

Anderson, Norma F., 72, retired American Maplan secretary and receptionist, died Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2001. Service 10 a.m. Saturday, Eastmoor United Methodist Church.

Survivors: son, Forest McCallister of Enumclaw, Wash.; daughters, Kathryn Koenh of Galva, Dana Mees of Custer, S.D., Donna Adkinson of Hutchinson, Sara Weybrew of Shawnee; sister, Nora Blankenship of Lees Summit, Mo.; six grandchi ldren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2001, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - December 20, 2001

Harmon, Cleta B., 65, retired Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. records clerk, died Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2001. Service 4 p.m. today, Broadway Mortuary; graveside service 1 p.m. Friday, Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Rosston, Okla.

Survivors: husband, Virgil; son, Vincent; daughters, Stacy Blankenship , Pamela Raborn all of Wichita; brothers, Wes Meliza of Wichita, Everett Meliza of Tyrone, Okla., Richard Meliza of Rosston, Okla.; three step-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2002, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - December 5, 2002

Blankenship, Claude Carl, 87, retired truck driver, died Monday, Dec. 2, 2002. Service 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

Survivors: son, Bill of Grain Valley, Mo.; daughters, Roberta Hairston of Tulsa, Phyllis O'Dell of Sapulpa, Okla.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2002, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - December 6, 2002

Blankenship, Gary L., 67, Hesston Prestige Printing printer, died Wednesda y, Dec. 4, 2002. Service 2 p.m. Monday, Petersen Funeral Home.

Survivors: wife, Retha; daughters, Kathy Lusk of Mulvane, Monica Stovall, Lori Weis, both of Newton; brother, Benny of Wichita; sisters, Treva Evans of Wichita, Myrla Rohling of Prague, Okla., Mary Sands of West Plains, Mo.; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2004, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=23932060

Arkansas City Traveler 04/26/04

Laura Lois Blankenship, 86, Udall, died Friday, April 23, 2004, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.

She farmed and ranched with her husband for 64 years and she began the Well Baby program through the county clinic in the 1950s.

Survivors include her son, Gary Blankenship of Davenport, Wash.; daughters, Sharon Smith of Beaumont, Texas, and Beverly Russell of Augusta; foster son, Mike Edmundson of Winfield; brother, Frank Craig of Winfield; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Snow Blankenship; her parents; and her brother, Charles Craig.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 28, 2004, at Miles Funeral Service. Interment will follow in Ninnescah Cemetery, south of Udall. Born Dec. 3, 1917, in Udall, she was the daughter of Charles and Bessie (Stout) Craig.

2004, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - May 24, 2004,

Moore, Delmar D., 48, formerly of Bethany, OK, Aircraft Tool and Die Maker, died Friday, May 21, 2004. Visitation Sunday 1-6 p.m. Hillside Funeral Home, West. Service, 1 p.m. Monday Westlink Christian Church. Burial at Maize Park Cemetery.

Preceded in death by brother, Bradley Moore;

Survivors; father & mother, Darrel & Carol Moore of Wichita; son, Charlie Moore of Wichita; daughters, Jessica Moore of Wichita, Shasta Gregory of Bethany, OK; sisters, Karma Onstott of Wichita, Joleen Blankenship of Wichita, Meredith Helton of Augusta, Jeannie Piepho of Galena; 4 grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2005, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - July 27, 2005

Cleveland, Gladys Ellen, 93, homemaker, died Sat., July 23, 2005. No local service.

Survivors: daughters, Edna Blankenship, Wichita, Jean Deighton, Carson City, NV, brother, John J. Hill, Wilsonville, OR, 3 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2006, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - January 13, 2006,

Cowans, Kyral Sue, 54, LPN and homemaker, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Hillside Funeral Home East.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Tina Pinkerton of Andover; father, Robert Blankenship of Wichita; mother and stepfather, Zona and Charley Swank of Augusta; ex-husband and faithful friend, Jimmy Pinkerton of Wichita; grandchildren, Courtney and Alex Pinkerton.

She was preceded in death by brother, Trace Norton.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2006, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - February 11, 2006,

Billups, Archie W., 78, retired ABC Rentals service manager, died Feb. 9, 2006. Memorial service 2 p.m. today, Hyde Park Kingdam Hall.

Survivors: wife, Irene; daughter, Pat (John) Pettersen; brothers, Eugene, Arnold Jr.; sisters, Edith Jackson, Fern Fleck, Ellen Blankenship ; grandsons, Eric and Leif Pettersen.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2006, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - June 28, 2006

Cook, Jaxson David, our angel fell asleep in the arms of the Lord on June 26, 2006. Infant son of Danielle A. Cook was born June 19, 2006.

Preceded in death by great-grandfathers, Victor Sr. and Francis Stroud.

Survivors: mother, Danielle; uncle, Jeremiah D. Cook; grandfather, David H. Cook all of Wichita; grandmother, Linda Blankenship of Valley Center; great-grandmothers, Katherine Cook and Leona Stroud of Wichita; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends from around the globe!

Visitation 4 to 8 p.m. today, Old Mission Mortuary; service 2 p.m. Thursday, St. Mary's Orthodox Church.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2007, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - March 7, 2007,

Blankenship, Bruce Allan, 56, retired Qwest telephone technician. He was born to Harry and Ruby Blankenship in Rockwood, Tenn., died after his courageo us battle with cancer, March 4, 2007. He loved his family, friends, music, animals, golf and fishing.

Memorial service is 10:00 am, Thursday, March 8 at Resthaven Mortuary.

Survivors are his wife of 23 yrs, JoAnne (Reed); son, Joshua Allan of Wichita; daughters, Carrie (Chad) Blankenship of Brashear, TX, Amanda (James) Helterbrand of Garland, TX; brother, Gene of Seattle WA; sister, Wanda James of New Port, TN; grandchildren, Jacob Allan Blankenship , Colton Calhoun, Cash Britton, Chloe Britton, Samantha, Courtine, Jocelyn, and Wyatt Allan Helterbrand,

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2007, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - May 25, 2007

Blankenship, William Anderson, 46, self-employed civil engineer, died May 20, 2007.

Service 1 p.m. Wednesday, Midway Baptist Church.

Survivors: father, Okey Blankenship ; mother, Earlene Spence; aunt, Lucille Mossa; half-sisters, Deborah Parker, Louann Losie, Wadie D'Avis.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2008, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - March 12, 2008,

Reynolds, Gene Autry, 67, passed away on March 9, 2008. He was born in Moro, Ark. and a longtime resident of St. Paul, Minn., before moving back to Wichita.

Service 1 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2008 at New Jerusalem Baptist Church.

He is survived by stepson, Clevelan Reed Jr.; stepdaughter, Rita Hartsfield of Wichita; sisters, Myrtle Thomas of Wichita, Gracie Haywood of Killeen, Texas, Evern Gates, Gloria Blankenship , Bertha Parker of Marianna, Ark., Ruby Randell of Pallestine, Ark.; brothers, Eddie Gates of Jacksonville, Ark., Jimmy Gates of West Memphis, Ark.; aunt, Roxie Clark of Chicago, Ill.; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2008, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - April 9, 2008

Tole, Linda L., after many years of illness went to be with her Lord April 5, 2008. She was born in Wellington, Kansas on July 31, 1937 to Gordon and Louise Blankenship.

In 1955, she graduated from Belle Plaine High School. She was retired as a bookkeeper from Federal Land Bank. An inspiration to all who knew her, Linda was the most courageous, strongest and caring woman to her family and friends. She was her family's hero, best friend, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be sadly missed. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Linda is survived by her husband of 38 years, Glen Tole; daughters, Jamie Ray of Tucson, AZ, Kristy Helstern of Wichita; step-children Sharron Boyd (Bob) of Augusta, Cynthia Montgomery (Jim) of Rose Hill, Raymond Tole (Paula) of Mustang, OK, David Tole of Colby, Ks; sisters Dorothy Metzger (Ron) of Fall River, Barbara Webb (Frank) of Wagner, OK; grandchildren Lyndsey Brouhard of Colwich, Jarred Brouhard of Andover; 6 step grandchildren; and the apple of her eye, Jackson Lovett her great grandson.

Service: 1pm Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at Hatfield-Smith Funeral Home, 219 W. 2nd, Belle Plaine. Arrangements with Culbertson-Smith Mortuary.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2008, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Newton Kansan, (KS) - May 5, 2008

Timothy R. Mesecher, 45, passed away Friday (May 2, 2008) at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. He was born Feb. 26, 1963, in Webster City, Iowa, to Roger and Darlene (Hoover) Mesecher. On Sept. 5, 1968, he married Bonnie in Dodge City. She survives of the home.

Tim worked in the shipping department at Bunting Magnetics in Newton. He enjoyed bowling, Playstation and his computer. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He greatly looked forward to spending time with his loving family and many friends.

Other survivors include his mother, Darlene Mesecher of Ft. Dodge, Iowa; sons, Nick Mesecher, Eric Mesecher, Jon Mesecher and Chris (Farva) Mesecher, all of Newton; brother, Craig Mesecher of Newton; sisters, Jeanette Mesecher of Ames, Iowa, and Cindy Blankenship of McPherson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roger Mesecher, and his grandparents.

Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2008, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Funeral

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - June 2, 2008

Blankenship, Jonas Z., infant, went to be with the Lord, May 31st. His family will love and miss him dearly. Services are 2:30p.m., today, June 2nd, 2008 at Maple Grove Cemetery, 1000 N.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2008, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - August 10, 2008

Socha, Esther Agnes, 87, homemaker passed away August 8, 2008. Viewing is Sunday 12:00 to 8:00 pm with family receiving 6:00 to 7:00 pm and funeral service is 10:00 am Monday, Aug. 11 both at Resthaven Mortuary. Preceded in death by husband Arthur in 2001.

Survivors: son Wayne (Marie) of Augusta; daughters Shirley Socha of Wichita, Diane (Eric "Rick") Blick of Andover; brother Ralph (Susan) Thowe of Wichita; sisters Grace Hanser of Glen Carbon, IL, Helen (Jack) Blankenship of Fall River, KS; 6 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2008, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - October 12, 2008

Wathen, Royce Gayle, 68, civilian member of WFD, assigned to Fire Administration, died Tuesday, October 7, 2008.

Private services were held, Saturday, October 11.

Preceded in death by son, Timothy Blankenship and parents, Virgil and Nola Moody.

Survivors: husband, Earl; daughter, Debbie Mertel of Wichita; sister, Lorene Box of Wichita; 4 grandchildren. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2009, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - January 25, 2009

Fraser, Bernadine Flossie, 87, formerly of Wichita, KS, died Jan. 9, 2009 at Kachina Point Healthcare Center. She was born in Ellinwood, KS to August W. Schmidt and Flossie (Blankenship) Schmidt on March 7, 1921. A lifelong resident of Wichita, KS, she moved to Sedona, AZ in 2006 to live with family.

Bernadine is survived by her brother, Delbert Schmidt; sons Larry Fraser and Jay Fraser; daughters Diane Deeble and Crystal Fraser. She had 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Bernadine attended Wichita State University, and was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority. She worked as secretary and saleswoman at Furniture Warehouse of Wichita. She was a passionate bridge player, attaining the rank of Life Master duplicate player. She loved birds and books and flowers. She will be dearly missed.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2009, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

Wichita Eagle , March 18, 2009

Blankenship, Isabella Nicole, infant daughter of Christopher and Deborah passed away Monday, March 16, 2009. Visitation 8:00 5:00 pm, Thursday, Broadway Mortuary. Graveside service 2:00 pm, Friday, White Chapel Cemetery.

Other survivors include: brothers, Sean and Gabriel Riddle; sister, Nakia Riddle and grandparents, Garland Wade and Lavonne Deavers and Ray and Sandra Hamilton.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2009, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - April 1, 2009

Claude, Ronald G, age 73, Hawker Beechcraft technical editor of 47 years, pilot and mulit-engine flight instructor, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2009. The visitation with the family present will be from 6 - 8 PM Thursday, with services scheduled for 2:00 PM Friday, both in the Garden Chapel of Watson Reflection Pointe, 3201 S. Webb Road. Burial will follow in Reflection Pointe Cemetery.

Preceded in death by his son, Steven Hy Claude, a parents, Clarence and Lucille (Blankenship) Claude, a sister and brother.

He is survived by his loving wife Melani, son, Mark, daughter, Dorothy Storment, all of Wichita, 2 grandsons, 5 great-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2009, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - September 30, 2009

Moore, Carol M., 73, cook for Maize Schools, passed away Sept. 28, 2009. Visitation 6-8 p.m. Wed.; service 1 p.m. Thurs., both at Hillside West.

Preceded in death by her sons: Delmar and Bradley Moore.

She is survived by her husband, Darrel, Wichita; daughters, Karma Onstott (Tim), Wichita, Jeannie Frye (John), Galena, Meredith Helton (Kenny), Augusta, Joleen Blankenship (Kim), Valley Center; brother, Willis Kenyon, Olathe; niece, Cynthia Mason (James), Benton; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Sedgwick Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Bruce A. 56-57, 28Mar1950 - 04Mar2007, Wichita, Sedgwick, KS, TN-408-86-0971

Blankenship, Grace L. 92, 25Oct1909 - 05Jan2002, Wichita, Sedgwick, KS, KS-513-34-9187

Blankenship, Julia A. 68, 26Dec1931 - 21Mar2000, Haysville, Sedgwick, KS, KS-515-40-2643

Blankenship, Thomas 50, 05Jul1959 - 04Dec2009, Wichita, Sedgwick, KS, DC-579-86-1671

Blankenship, William A. 46, 13Dec1960 - 20May2007, Wichita, Sedgwick, KS, KS-514-68-4606

Seward

2007, Liberal, Seward Co., KS, Obituary

The Hutchinson News, (KS) - March 24, 2007

Lois E. Brooks, 92, died March 21, 2007, at Southwest Medical Center, Liberal, following a sudden illness. She was born June 28, 1914, in Liberal, the daughter of Garfield and Eunice Tripp Blankenship .

She graduated from Kismet High School in 1933. She was secretary for Brooks Auto Supply and Seward County Register of Deeds for many years, also working at Joyes Ceramics. She belonged to the First Christian Church, volunteered at Heartland Shares, Liberal Good Samaritan Center, and was one of the first Gray Ladies, Candy Stripers - then the SWMC Auxiliary snack bar - to present time. On Nov. 22, 1941, she married Elmer H. Brooks, in Liberal. He died July 9, 1971.

Survivors include: a daughter, Connie Friesen, Liberal; three brothers, Walt Blankenship , Sunnyside, Calif., Bernard Blankenship , Portland, Ore., and Leland Blankenship , Olympia, Wash.; and a grandson.

She was preceded in death by a brother Lawrence; and sister Gladys.

Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Miller Chapel, Liberal, with the Revs. David Parker and Chuck Fisch presiding. Interment will be in Liberal Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Shawnee

2001, Rossville, Shawnee Co., KS, Obituary

The Topeka Capital-Journal, (KS) - November 6, 2001,

Anita Louise Hamilton, 41, Rossville, died late Sunday, Nov. 4, 2001, at a Topeka hospice house. She had been ill several months. She was born Nov. 12, 1959, in Lyons, to Gregory Lyman and Billie Clair McNelley Houston, and lived in the Topeka area since 1961.

She graduated from Topeka High School in 1977. She was employed at the Payless ShoeSource distribution center in North Topeka for 15 years.

She married Ivan Luther Hamilton on May 6, 1989, in Topeka. He survives. Other survivors include a son, Joshua L. Hamilton, at home; a daughter, Alyssa N. Hamilton, at home; stepsons, Jason Hamilton, Plano, Texas, and Jamie Hamilton, Topeka; a stepdaughter, Angela M. Hamilton, Topeka; her father, Gregory Houston, Davidson, N.C.; her mother, Billie Blankenship , Fredericksburg, Texas; brothers, Greg Houston, Chesapeake Beach, Md., Bill Houston, Overland Park, and Phillip Houston, Fort Worth, Texas; sisters, Ila Baker, Topeka, Susan Dunnaway, Perry, and Marilyn O'Brien, Sacramento, Calif.; and five grandchildren.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Parker-Price Mortuary in Topeka. Burial will be in Mayetta Cemetery in Mayetta.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2001, Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS, Obituary

The Topeka Capital-Journal, (KS) - October 9, 2001

Frank Greco, 79, Topeka, died Saturday, Oct. 6, 2001, at a Topeka hospital. He was born July 1, 1922, in Dipignano, Italy, to Eugene and Adelina Casciaro Greco.

He married Norma Jean Lawson on Feb. 26, 1946, in Cottonwood Falls. She died Oct. 16, 1994.

Survivors include two sons, Frank Greco Jr., Oak Grove, Mo., and Tom Greco, Topeka; five daughters, Roxanne Greco Ashley, Albuquerque, N.M., Rozanne Holloway, Renee May and Reggi Anne Greco, all in Topeka, and Patty Darabaris, Oklahoma City; four sisters, Geneve Owensby, Topeka, Yolanda Deal, Urbana, Ill., Virginia Blankenship , Redlands, Calif., and Rose Mary Bratkovic, Shawnee; 17 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11a.m. Thursday at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2001, Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS, Obituary

The Topeka Capital-Journal, (KS) - November 18, 2001

Josephine J. Killinger, 95, Topeka, died Thursday, Nov. 15, 2001, at a Topeka nursing home. Mrs. Killinger taught piano lessons for more than 65 years before she retired. She and her husband also owned and operated Oakland Drug Store from 1927 to 1951. She was born March 6, 1906, in St. Joseph, Mo., the daughter of John Bell and Jessie Blankenship Jamieson. She studied piano at Washburn College and The University of Kansas. She had lived in Topeka since 1927. Mrs. Killinger was a 60-year member of Sigma Alpha Iota, Topeka Music Teachers Association, Music Study Club, Topeka Community Concert Committee, Pharmaceutical Ladies Auxiliary, Grace Episcopal Cathedral and the church fellowship group.

She married Dana W. Killinger Sr. on Oct. 8, 1927, in St. Joseph, Mo. He died in 1951. Mrs. Killinger also was preceded in death by two sons, John J. Killinger, March 11, 1999, and Dana W. Killinger Jr., Oct. 22, 2001.

Survivors include four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's Chapel in Grace Episcopal Cathedral. Burial in Mount Hope Cemetery will be private.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2002, Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS, Obituary

The Emporia Gazette, (KS) - July 27, 2002

Roy William "Tiny" Sherretts, 54, a truck driver for Hamm's Construction Co., died of natural causes on July 23, 2002, at a Topeka hospital. He was born June 24, 1948, in Topeka to George Jr. and Ocea Lorraine Blankenship Sherretts.

He was a graduate of Highland Park High School. Mr. Sherretts attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was a member of the Eagles and Teamsters Union Local No. 696.

He is survived by one brother, Carl Sherretts of Reading, and three sisters, Lorraine Sherretts and Leota Sherretts of Topeka and Gina Sherretts of Golden Valley, Minn. Two nieces also survive.

The funeral was this morning in Topeka; burial was in Westlawn Memorial Gardens.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2002, Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS, Obituary

The Topeka Capital-Journal, (KS) - August 11, 2002

Gerald F. "Jerry" Rethman, 66, Topeka, died Friday, Aug. 9, 2002, at his home. Mr. Rethman owned and operated Citi, Gulf and Skelly service stations in Topeka from 1962 to 1982 and he was a mechanic for Topeka Unified School District No. 501 from 1982 until he retired in 1998. He also was an Army veteran.

He was born Nov. 17, 1935, in Baileyville, the son of Anthony J. and Emma Enneking Rethman. Mr. Rethman was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where he volunteered in the adoration chapel. He was a former member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He married Elsie Haug on Dec. 31, 1958, in Baileyville. She died April 23, 2001.

Survivors include a son, Ron Rethman, Verdon, Neb.; two daughters, Debbie Smith, Saginaw, Mich., and Kathy Johnson, Auburn; two brothers, Kenneth Rethman, Seneca, and Jim Rethman, Topeka; two sisters, Pat Buser and Betty Blankenship -Smarker, both of Topeka; and 13 grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Burial with graveside military honors conducted by a Fort Riley funeral detail will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2003, Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS, Obituary

The Topeka Capital-Journal, (KS) - February 13, 2003

Robert Lee Raynor, 73, Topeka, died Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2003, at a Rossville nursing home. Mr. Raynor worked for Kansas Gas Service Co. for 42 years before retiring in 1990. He was a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War, serving as an aircraft engine mechanic. He was born Dec. 17, 1929, in Topeka, to Albert Ernest and Helen Appolonia Schlitter Raynor. He was a lifelong Topeka resident. Mr. Raynor was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Survivors include a daughter, Sheryl A. Ridgway, Topeka; four sisters, Helen Marie Rusher, Mary Ann Scheck, Bernice Freeman and Carol Blankenship , all of Topeka; and a grandchild.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial with military honors conducted by a Fort Riley Army detail will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2003, Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS, Obituary

The Topeka Capital-Journal, (KS) - November 17, 2003

George W. Batz, 90, Topeka, died Friday, Nov. 14, 2003, at his home. He was born Oct. 29, 1913, in Cleburne, Texas, to Alexander and Mary Elva Hughes Batz.

At the age of 10, the family moved to Topeka. Mr. Batz attended Topeka schools and graduated with a PH B degree from Washburn University. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II as a chief warrant officer. He was a member of several state and national accounting organizations, president of the Kansas Society of Public Accountants, the Kiwanis Club of Topeka, American Legion Capitol Post No. 1 of the American Legion, the Forty and Eight, Shawnee Country Club and the Elks. Mr. Batz began his career in 1936 as a public accountant with the firm of Brelsford & Gifford, which has a history going back to 1913. Although there have been several changes in name and ownership, he had remained with the firm throughout his career. In 1940, the firm was named Brelsford, Gifford & Jones and in the early 1940s changed its name to Brelsford, Gifford and Hardesty. Mr. Batz became a partner on July 1, 1950. The firm changed its name in September 1955 to Brelsford, Gifford, Hardesty & Batz. In 1969, the firm was Hardesty, Batz & Clinkenbeard. In 1977, the firm merged with a national firm. Mr. Batz retired on March 31, 1981, but remained active with the present firm of Berberich, Trahan & Co., PA in a semi-retired capacity.

He married Leola "Sis" Waetzig in 1940. She preceded him in death on July 4, 1993.

Survivors include nieces and nephews, Mike Blankenship, Billie Crow and Greg Waetzig, Topeka, Dennis Waetzig, Chesterfield, Mo., Wanda Belsing, Lawrence, Linda Claycomb, Burlingame, and Connie Holmes, Newport News, Va.; and sister-in-laws, Marie Waetzig, Carbondale, and Dorothy Waetzig, Topeka. Cremation took place.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel. Private inurnment will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2004, Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS, Obituary

The Topeka Capital-Journal, (KS) - March 17, 2004,

L. Allan Hague, 82, Topeka died Monday, March 15, 2004, at a Topeka hospital. Allan was born April 7, 1921, at Courtland, the son of Clarence and Marian Muirhead Hague.

He spent his early years at Dresden, and graduated from high school at Dodge City. After high school, he moved to Newton. He joined the Army, serving with the 20th Armored Division of the 3rd Army in Europe during World War II. Allan returned to Newton and the Santa Fe Railroad, where he worked until retiring in 1981. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Clerks at Newton. Mr. Hague was very involved with scouting for many years. It was an important part of his life. He was part of a group of national Boy Scout leaders who helped to rewrite the scouting handbook. He was scout leader with Boy Scout Troop No. 145 at the church he attended, Salem United Methodist, where he and Winnie were members. In 1999, Allan moved to Topeka. He was a member of Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church.

Allan married Winifred Blankenship on Jan. 15, 1955, at Newton. He is survived by his wife, Winnie, of Topeka; a son, Barth Hague and his wife, Betty Jo, of Goshen, Ind.; a son, Brian Hague and his wife, Tonya, of Overland Park; a daughter, Cathy Kofoid and her husband, Kyle, of Topeka; grandchildren, Zach Hague, C.J. Hague, Sydney Hague, Julia Kofoid and Eli Kofoid; sisters, Connie Dawe, of Denver, and Ann Lea Ratzlaff, of Halstead. Allan was preceded in death by two sisters, Beth Seyfried and Louise Wetzel.

Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church. Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at Greenwood Cemetery at Newton.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2004, Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS, Obituary

The Topeka Capital-Journal, (KS) - May 17, 2004

Penny Jo Herrick-Wehmeier, 36, Topeka, died Wednesday, May 12, 2004, in a Topeka Hospital. She was born Oct.13, 1967, at Emporia, the daughter of John William and Apalonia R. Rodriguez Herrick Jr.

She attended Burlingame and Topeka Schools. Penny worked for Key Temporary Services in Topeka.

A sister, Elizabeth Ann Morse, preceded her in death.

Survivors include her husband Joseph Wehmeier, Topeka; children, Joseph Dean Wehmeier and Samantha Jo Wehmeier, both of Topeka; mother, Apalonia Luthi, Topeka; father, John William Herrick Jr., Topeka; six sisters, Polly Blankenship, Pagosa Springs, Colo., Debbie Brouhard, Osage City, Billie Neu, Burlingame, Honey Herrick and Bobbie Sanchez, both of Topeka, and Barbara Blevins, Little Elm, Texas; and a brother, John Herrick III, Topeka.

Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Burlingame Federated Church. Burial will be in Wilmington Cemetery south of Harveyville.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2005, Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS, Obituary

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/cjonline/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=15104822

John J. Blankenship, Sr., 67, Topeka, died Sat., Sept. 17, 2005. He was born June 15, 1938 in Topeka, the son of Roy Sr. and Sadie Young Blankenship.

He attended Sacred Heart Grade School and graduated from Hayden High in 1958. John served his country in the Naval Reserves. He worked for Southwestern Bell for 42 years, retiring in 2001. On Sept. 3, 1960, he and Carol Raynor were married at St. Joseph Church. She survives. John was a member of Sacred Heart Church. He volunteered for Adoration at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for 10 years. He was a member of the Moose, member and past president of CWA Local #6401, and the Telephone Pioneers.

Other survivors include his sons, John Jr., and David, both of Topeka, and Jerry, Albuquerque NM; his brothers, Roy Jr., Topeka, Charles, Fredericksburg, Tex.: sisters, Virginia Smith, Independence MO, and Mary Jones, Mansfield Center, Conn.; three grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Howard and Leonard; and one sister, Ocea Sherretts.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Church. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

+2006, Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - April 8, 2006,

Donald D. "Don," Smith, 85, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2006 in Topeka. He was born June 30, 1920 in Eskridge, the son of Arthur and Alta Blankenship -Smith.

He grew up in Eskridge, where he attended country schools, and Eskridge High School. Don entered the army in 1942, and as a Sergeant, was assigned to a tank division in the European Theatre. After his tour of duty, Don married Winnie Rogers in Dover, a union of over 61 years. Don was a self employed businessman, enjoyed traveling, square dancing, and was a member of Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church. Don raised cattle in his retirement years with the help of his grandson.

Survivors: wife, Winnie of the home; daughter, Linda (Larry) Hollis, Wichita; sons, Robert (Darlene) Smith, and Mark Smith, both of Topeka; grandchildren, Chris Hollis, Amy Custenborder, Brooke Howell, Brad Smith; great-grandchild, Parker Howell; sister, Betty Clay of Topeka.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Debra Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, at Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church, Tecumseh, with burial to follow at Dover Cemetery,

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2006, Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS, Obituary

The Manhattan Mercury, (KS) - August 1, 2006

Heather Rose Blankenship, 12, Topeka, passed away Sunday, July 30, at the Midland Hospice House after a long illness.

The family provided the following information. She was born Jan. 28, 1994, in Topeka. Heather will be remembered for her love of music and especially her big smile when we all sang her favorite songs to her.

Heather is survived by her parents, Flint and Rose Mary Blankenship of the home; a sister, Tylar of the home. Other survivors include her grandfather, Bill McMurphy of Sabetha, special grandmothers Elaine Norris of Topeka and Nancy Boswell of Lawrence; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Heather is also survived by her biological parents, Tina Smith and Wayne Lair of Topeka; and her brothers, Jacob, Steve and Jordan.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday a the Holy Name Catholic Church where she was a member. Cremation will follow.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2006, Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS, Obituary

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=16327507

Lois Metzger Blankenship, Jun. 30, 1930 - Oct. 23, 2006

Lois is the daughter of William Franklin and Opal Mae Cunning-Metzger. Lois graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1948 and from Stormont-Vail School of Nursing School in 1951. Lois was a RN (Registered Nurse) from 1951-1989. She was employed by St. Francis Hospital, Stormont-Vail HealthCare, Brewster Place, Topeka State Hospital, and retiring from the Veterans Administration Hospital in 1989. She was also a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

Lois was preceded into death by her four sisters, Hazel Felt, Evelyn Phillipe, Patricia Coyle, and Sue Ellen Metzger; her three brothers, Doren Metzger, Kenneth Metzger, and Delbert Metzger; and her two grandchildren, Sara Blankenship and Joshua Blankenship.

Survivors include: her son, Charles Blankenship, Jr., Cincinnati, OH; her six daughters, Barbara Perry, Berryton, KS, Sallie Wetschensky, Roeland Park, KS, Sue Rosenbaum, Topeka, KS, Jayne Shepherd, Topeka, KS, Lisa Immenschuh, Topeka, KS, and Judith Gray, Topeka, KS; a sister, Doris Sanders, Lawrence, KS; a brother, Marvin Metzger, Lawrence, KS; her seventeen grandchildren, Rachel Blankenship, Joseph Blankenship, Rebecca Blankenship, Justin Rosenbaum, Kristopher Rosenbaum, Jennifer Raine, Jodie Berry, Kristi Smith, Amy Jackson, Ashley Shepherd, Danielle Schiller, Megan Wetschensky, Samantha Immenschuh, Heather Immenschuh, Conner Immenschuh, Brandon Gray, and Chad Gray; her nine great-grandchildren, Ethan Rosenbaum, Keaton Rosenbaum, Elena Rosenbaum, Morgan Raine, Matthew Raine, Tyson Smith, Kayden Smith, Tyra Jackson, and Kellan Spruce.

2008, Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS, Funeral

The Topeka Capital-Journal, (KS) - January 5, 2008,

Tylar Lea Blankenship, 17, Topeka, passed away Thursday, January 3, 2008 at Midland Hospice. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Mater Deis Holy Name Church. Cremation will follow. Tylar will lie in state from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where a parish rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2008, Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS, Obituary

The Topeka Capital-Journal, (KS) - October 9, 2008

Alvin Dean Schiesser, 88, of Topeka, passed away Monday, October 6, 2008, at the Colmery-ONeil VA Medical Center. Alvin was born on Dec. 14, 1919, at Keene, KS, the son of Samuel and Mae Blankenship Schiesser.

Mr. Schiesser was a Veteran of WWII, serving in Germany. He retired from the Maintenance Dept. at Washburn University.

Survivors include one sister, Frances McKown of Lawrence, KS; a brother, Marvin Schiesser of Boulder CO; sister-in-law, Mary Schiesser of Eskridge, KS and numerous nieces and nephews.

Alvin was preceded in death by 2 sisters and 9 brothers.

Cremation is planned. Private inurnment will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery at a later date.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2008, Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS, Obituary

The Topeka Capital-Journal, (KS) - November 4, 2008,

Wilma Irene Blankenship, 84, Topeka, died Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008 at Midland Hospice House. She was born May 12, 1923 in Neosho, MO, the daughter of Lyman Edward and Mary Elizabeth Norris Blankenship, and had lived in Topeka since February, 1969. Wilma worked as a housekeeping aide at Stormont-Vail Hospital before retiring.

Survivors include several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Newcomer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2008, Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS, Obituary

The Topeka Capital-Journal, (KS) - December 14, 2008

Kenneth E. Gibson, 76, Topeka, entered into rest on Thurs., Dec. 11, 2008 at Stormont-Vail Hospital. Kenneth was born in Circleville, KS on May 9, 1932, the son of Orville and Madge (Runyan) Gibson. Mr. Gibson served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict from March 7, 1952~March 15, 1956. He married Charlotte Briggs in Topeka on June 7, 1953, having celebrated their 55 anniversary this year. Kenny worked for the U.S. Post Office from 1956~1968; he was later self employed as a carpenter. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Charlotte of the home; three sons, Terry (Tina), Jerry (Robin) of Topeka, Kenneth (Vaughn) of Holton, KS, daughter, Karen (Bill) Wentz of Roswell, GA; 14 grandchildren: Travis and Trevor Gibson, Joetta (Dave) Davis, Ashley Gibson, Justin Gibson, Jennifer (CJ) Blankenship , Adam (Kate) Wentz, Darcy and Erica Wentz, Steve (Alyssa) Gibson, Angie, Joshua (Dani), Kenny and Keeli Gibson; five great-grandchildren: Taylor Gibson, Michaela and Brayden Blankenship , Addisen Wentz and Kiley Gibson; three siblings: Arta Gibson, Ted Gibson and Doris Greene.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Keith Gibson, Duane Gibson and daughter-in-law, Belinda Gibson.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tues., Dec. 16 at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene, 3501 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2009, Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS, Obituary

The Topeka Capital-Journal, (KS) - February 22, 2009

Dorothy L. Hill, lifetime resident of Topeka, passed away Saturday, February 21, 2009. Born on May 31, 1919, the daughter of Ruth and Clyde Smalley, Sr. Dorothy married Fred Stevens Hill, Jr., June 1940. He preceded her in death.

Dorothy was a respected Realtor in Topeka for over 30 years. She was a long standing member of the TAAR; the Shawnee County Historical Society and a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Pamela Saggart-Robb, husband, Scott; Deborah Yetter, husband, Gordon; grandchildren, Page Dickeson- Blankenship , John Dickeson; Gavyn and Abby Yetter and six great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held Thurs. at 1:00 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Shawnee Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Hazel J. 77, 21Jul1923 - 02Mar2001, Topeka, Shawnee, KS, KS-512-12-6276

Blankenship, John J. 67, 15Jun1938 - 17Sep2005, Topeka, Shawnee, KS, KS-515-34-4359

Blankenship, Lois M. 76, 20Jun1930 - 23Oct2006, Topeka, Shawnee, KS, KS-510-26-7713

Blankenship, Robert D. 51, 04May1949 - 30Aug2000, Topeka, Shawnee, KS, KS-513-48-1096

Blankenship, Wilma 85, 12May1923 - 29Oct2008, Topeka, Shawnee, KS, MO-490-32-9251

Stafford

2001, Stafford, Stafford Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - December 29, 2001,

Tucker, Gail Florence, 89, retired Stafford Flower Shop owner and operator, died Friday, Dec. 28, 2001. Service 11 a.m. Wednesday, Minnis Chapel.

Survivors: sons, Gene of Stafford, Richard of Des Moines, Don of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; brother, George Walker of Salem, Ore.; sisters, Berna Howry of Dallas, Ore., Phyllis Blankenship of Front Royal, Va.; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Sumner

2006, Belle Plaine, Sumner Co., KS, Obituary

Wellington Daily News (KS) - February 6, 2006,

James Alfred Gifford, 80, died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2006 near his family home south of Belle Plaine. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and a sister Ruth Blankenship.

He is survived by his wife Emagine of the home, daughter, Nancy and her husband Alan Ward of Belle Plaine, son, John and his wife Ramona Gifford of Belle Plaine, five grandchildren, Justin and Amanda Ward and Judd, Jessie, and June Gifford.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Belle Plaine United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Belle Plaine Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2003, Caldwell, Sumner Co., KS, Obituary

Wellington Daily News (KS) - June 17, 2003,

Evelyn Irene McCants, 76, Caldwell, retired Tax Clerk Sumner County Courthouse, died Monday, June 16, 2003 in Wichita, Kan. She was born December 22, 1926 in Caldwell, Kan. to Daniel Frank Rader and Minnie Wykes.

She married Charles Hecht in August of 1946 in Taylor, North Dakota. She then married Kenneth McCants on June 30, 1973 in Nevada. Both preced her in death.

Survivors include two sons, Daniel Hecht of Boise, Idaho, Charles Hecht of Boise, Idaho; four daughters, Vickie Armstrong of Caldwell, Kan., Veda Mitchell of Wichita, Kan., Reva Smith of Wellington, Kan., Belinda Olson of Avon, Minn.; one sister, Ethel Blankenship of Skiatook, Okla.; 18 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Friday, June 20, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at the Elliott-Schaeffer Mortuary in Caldwell, Kan. Mr. Vernie Hovorka will officiate. Interment will be at the Caldwell City Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2006, Milton, Sumner Co., KS, Obituary

The Hutchinson News, (KS) - February 6, 2006,

Shirley M. Albright, 77, died Feb. 5, 2006, at Cheney Golden Age Home. She was born Sept. 9, 1928, in Portland, the daughter of Robert and Metta Bernice Blankenship Morrison.

She graduated from Milton High School in 1947. A resident of Milton, formerly of Pretty Prairie, she was a school bus driver for the Spivey School District. She belonged to Milton Baptist Church and was a former member of the Asenath Chapter No. 430 OES, Norwich. On Sept. 3, 1955, she married Vernon Wilfred Albright in Pretty Prairie. He survives.

Other survivors include: a daughter, Sherry Albright, Norwich; three brothers, Jim Morrison, Pretty Prairie, Dave Morrison, Brighton, Colo., and Bob Morrison, Hutchinson; two sisters, Wilma Wilkerson, Eureka, and Geneva Poe, Milton.

She was preceded in death by four brothers, Dale, Vern, Ralph and Ray Morrison.

Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church, Milton, with Pastor Mike Justice presiding. Burial will be in Eden Cemetery, Milton.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2001, Wellington, Sumner Co., KS, Funeral

Wellington Daily News (KS) - May 2, 2001,

Services for Florence Edna Beene, who died Friday, April 27, 2001, were held Tuesday, May 1, 2001, at the First United Methodist Church. The Rev. Quentin Bennett officiated. Dan Jones sang "In The Garden" and "The Holy City." The congregation sang "God Be With You Till We Meet Again." Organist was Donnis Whaley. Ushers were Don Flickinger and Forrest Stalcup. Casket bearers were Brian Myers, Jason Myers, Larry Myers Jr., Jeffrey Webster, Randall Webster and Kerry Blankenship. Interment was in Prairie Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements were by Day Funeral Home

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2004, Wellington, Sumner Co., KS, Funeral

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=26679416

Lary L. Blankinship, 61 of Wellington, Kansas, retired Boeing aircraft assembler, died Saturday evening, May 15, 2004 at his home in Wellington, Kansas. He was born the son of Lee Blankinship and Ethel Mae (Burns) Blankinship on July 14, 1942 in Anthony, Kansas.

Lary was a 1960 graduate of Wellington High School in Wellington, Kansas. On December 7, 1964 he and Dixie Rayann Maninger were united in marriage at the Corbin Methodist Church in Corbin, Kansas. Lary was a true outdoorsman. He loved nature and all it had to give. He enjoyed the country and farming. As a youngster he raised cattle and won a Blue Ribbon at the State Fair. He was an avid sportsman loving to hunt and fish. He was a people person and enjoyed visiting with his friends hours upon hours. Lary was a strong family man. His family was his life.

His father preceded him in death in July of 1970.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years Dixie of the home; son Lee Blankinship and his wife Sandra of Amarillo, Texas; daughter Cheri and her husband Tony Wagle of Wichita, Kansas; mother Ethel Blankinship of Chaska, Minnesota; brother Paul Blankinship and his wife Beverly of Chaska, Minnesota; grandchildren Justin Blankinship of Derby, Kansas, Heather Blankinship of Derby, Kansas, Aidan Blankinship of Amarillo, Texas. Andrew Wagle of Wichita, Kansas, Aaron Wagle of Wichita, Kansas and Victoria Wagle of Wichita, Kansas.

Funeral services for Lary will be 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, 2004 in the chapel of the Day Funeral Home. Pastor Bob Nickel of Grace Baptist Fellowship Church of Wellington, Kansas will officiate.

2005, Wellington, Sumner Co., KS, Obituary

Wellington Daily News (KS) - July 1, 2005,

Funeral services for Marian M. Orsman, 89, of Wellington, Kansas, homemaker and retired telephone/PBX operator, who died Friday, June 24, 2005, were held at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 30, 2005 in the chapel of Day Funeral Home, Wellington. Officiating was Pastor Sallie Shore, First Christian Church, Wellington. Pastor Dennis Clough of Trinity Hospice was vocalist and sang "In The Garden," "Going Home," and "The Lord's Prayer." Casket bearers were Larry Thiel, Ronnie Thiel, Daryl Thiel, Loyd Belveal, Rod Mayo, and Lonnie Hays. Interment was held in the Belle Plaine Cemetery, Belle Plaine.

Memorials have been established in her name and loving memory with Belle Plaine High School Alumni Scholarship Fund, care of Sharron Blankenship Willey, 645 North Line Road, Belle Plaine, Kansas 67013 or Trinity Hospice, 1938 North Woodlawn, Wichita, Kansas 67208.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2005, Wellington, Sumner Co., KS, Obituary

Wellington Daily News (KS) - November 21, 2005,

Cecil S. 'Rusty" Russell, 84, of Wellington died Thursday, Nov. 17, 2005 afternoon in Sumner Regional Medical Center, Wellington after a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday Nov. 22, 2005 in the First Christian Church, Wellington, Pastor Sallie Shore officiating with interment in Prairie Lawn Cemetery. Tom Schwinn American Legion Post No. 90 will provide military graveside honors.

Rusty was born September 22, 1921 in Somerville, Ala. to John Henry and Velma Elizabeth (Blankenship) Russell. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. He was cherished by his family and friends. He was a teletype operator in the US Army serving from 1942 to 1946 in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre in the Second Signal Battalion. He had been employed as a wire-chief/telegrapher for the ATSF, retiring in 1981. He has also owned and operated Russell Excavating and Russell Machinery.

He was married to Betty Jane Fountas on September 7, 1942 in Dalhart, Texas. She preceded him in death on Oct. 9, 1992. He was also preceded by his son David, grandsons Patrick and Christopher Irvine, sister Marie and Brother Lonnie.

Survivors include his sons Glenn and wife Gaye; Dean and wife Susan; Jeff and wife Peggy; Bob and wife Dana all of Wellington, daughters Margie and husband Bob Prewitt of Garden City; June and husband John Jones of Silver City, New Mexico; Colleen and husband Jim Norris; Tammy and husband Mike Rayl all of Wellington, sisters, Rita (Punkin) Collett, Norman, Okla.; Mary McKowen, Hooks, Texas; Jean West, St. Petersburg Fla.; brother James of Okla.; 14 grandchildren Courtney, Katie, Markie, Pat, Halie, Ryan, Adrienne, Aaron, Lance, Marsee, Stephanie, Adam, Gennie and Crystal; 15 great-grandchildren Ethan, Gunner, Madison, Zach, Lauren, Colin, Erin, Hunter, Garrett, Carson, Sage, Gracie, Marlee, Taylor and Braden and one unborn great-grandson Blake.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2008, Wellington, Sumner Co., KS, Obituary

Wellington Daily News (KS) - October 13, 2008

Phyllis J. Sharpsteen, 73, of Wellington, passed away at Kansas Medical Center in Andover, on Wednesday morning, Oct. 8, 2008. Phyllis J. Garlow Sharpsteen was born on Jan. 10, 1935 in Attica, Kan., to James T. and Allene (Coslett) Garlow. Phyllis married Donald Lee "Dooley" Sharpsteen on Feb. 16, 1985 at the First Christian Church in Wellington. He preceded her in death in July of 2001.

She enjoyed spending time and playing with her great grandchildren. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dooley; and sister, Betty Hubbard.

Survivors include her three daughters, Cindy Zoglmann and her husband John, Sandy Kemp and her husband Steve, and Sonja Sandell and her husband Jeff all of Wellington; two sisters, Shirley Stocker and her husband Mike and JoAnn Helm and her husband Jerry of Wellington; seven grandchildren, Jason and his wife Jaime Zoglmann, Holly and her husband Jason Rausch, Brande and her husband Kevin Beggs, Jacob Wilcox, Garrett and his wife Donna Sandell, Shelbe and her husband Monty Blankenship , and Morgyn and her husband T. J. Cain; and 10 great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 10, 2008 at Sumner Memorial Gardens. Pastor Don Bryant will officiate.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Sumner Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankinship, Lary L. 61, 14Jul1942 - 15May2004, Wellington, Sumner, KS, KS-511-44-5654

Thomas

2009, Menlo, Thomas Co., KS, Obituary

The Salina Journal, (KS) - June 24, 2009,

Gwendolyn S. Carmen, 69, died Tuesday, June 23, 2009. She was born Aug. 11, 1939, to Harold and Bessie (Smith) Rawlings in Nebraska City, Neb.

Survivors include her husband, Ronald "Joe," of the home; a son, William (Debbie) Rawlings, of Burlington, Colo.; a stepson, Dan Carmen, of Colby; two stepdaughters, Julie Carmen, of Colorado, and Rhonda Carmen, of Newton; a sister, Priscilla Blankenship , of Denver; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

The body was cremated, and inurnment will be at a later date in Menlo Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Wilson

+2000, Fredonia City, Wilson Co., KS, Obituary

http://www.genlookups.com/ks/webbbs_config.pl/noframes/read/801

Hazel M. Blankinship, age 96, died Jan. 24, 2005. She was a retired professional photographer.

Graveside services were held Jan. 27 at the Fredonia City Cemetery under the direction of Timmons Funeral Home.

She is survived by 1 sister, 1 brother, 4 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren.

2000, Neodesha, Wilson Co., KS, Obituary

The Wichita Eagle, (KS) - April 19, 2000,

Willard, Jimmy D. "Jim," 64, Colbalt Boats carpenter, died Monday, April 17, 2000. Service 11 a.m. Friday, Neodesha Cemetery.

Survivors: wife, Clara; son, Chris of Neodesha; daughters, Jody Smith of Coffeyville, Paula Buster of Earlton, Katy Webb of Neodesha; mother, Cecile Ramey of Coffeyville; brother, Bob of Neodesha; sisters, Joyce Blankenship of Border, Texas, Joan Katzer of Paris, Tenn.; eight grandchildren; one great-granddaughter.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2002, Neodesha, Wilson Co., KS, Obituary

Parsons Sun (KS) - April 23, 2002

Bobby Earl Willard, 70, of Neodesha died Saturday, April 13, 2002, at the Wichita Veterans Administration Hospital. He was born May 11, 1931, in Neodesha to Howard V. and Cecile (Ramey) Willard.

He grew up in Neodesha and attended Neodesha schools. In 1948 he joined the Army and served in Germany and Korea until his honorable discharge. He worked in the construction business for Wilson-Blevins Construction and also worked for the Eagles. He married Velma Prather in 1952. They later divorced. He married Glenda Obermier on Aug. 11, 1984, in Neodesha, where they made their home. She survives of the home. He was a member of the VFW Post No. 5962 and was an officer and 30-year member of the Eagles.

Other survivors include five sons, Danny Willard of Independence, David Willard and John Willard, both of Neodesha, Mark Willard of Girard and Tim Willard of Parsons; a stepson, Montie Obermier of Neodesha; three daughters, Debbie Kukovich of Wichita, Sandy Skinner of Denver and Sheryl Johnson of Parsons; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his mother, Cecile Ramey of Coffeyville; and two sisters, Joyce Blankenship of Border, Texas, and Joan Katzer of Paris, Tenn.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Virgil, Jimmy and J.R.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Bethel Cemetery in Neodesha with Dave Cheshier officiating.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Wilson Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankinship, Chloe D. 90-91, 30Oct1914 - 11Oct2005, Neodesha, Wilson, KS, KS-512-03-8875

Blankinship, Hazel M. 96, 27Feb1908 - 24Jan2005, Fredonia, Wilson, KS, KS-510-32-8714

Wyandotte

2009, Kansas City, Wyandotte Co., KS,

The Hutchinson News, (KS) - August 2, 2009

Johnny Adam: Family of veteran finally gets remains. Johnny is coming home. When Pat Graybill heard her 91-year-old father speak those words through the telephone, she allowed herself to imagine - if only for a split second. "To me, I still picture him as my older brother," Graybill said. But after 41 years of waiting, Graybill knew exactly what her father meant. "You're talking about his remains," she said to him.

Johnny Adam was a skinny, blue-eyed 20-year-old when he disappeared on May 22, 1968, during the Vietnam War. His remains returned July 24 to his father and two sisters, now in their 50s, left behind. The military allowed his nephew, Air Force Staff Sgt. Adam Blankenship , to leave Afghanistan to accompany his uncle's remains back to Kansas. It was a moment that his family had thought about, dreamed about and prayed about since 1968. Air Force documents show that Adam's plane was near the border of Laos on a nighttime flare mission when it disappeared. Another U.S. aircraft saw what appeared to be a ground fire near the plane's last known location. But anti-aircraft fire made a search impossible. By daylight, photos showed no evidence of wreckage. All nine crew members on the C-130A Hercules were designated as missing in action.

A chaplain and Air Force officials came to the home of Adam's parents on Longwood Avenue in Kansas City, Kan., to notify the family. Yet his mother, father and sisters had reason to hope. Days turned into months. Eventually the Air Force sent his belongings, including a partially finished model airplane, home to Kansas. It was a reminder that Adam volunteered for service partly because he had dreamed of flying. His family reluctantly sold the horses that Adam had prized. Years went by. Presidents began sending holiday letters with their respects.

When the war ended, the family waited to see if Adam was among the survivors. "We got a call. It was actually fairly late at night and they said his name wasn't on the list," Graybill said. It was a crushing blow. The sisters thought about him daily. Katherine Mills served in the honor guard during her 21-year career in the Air Force. "I would be there thinking, 'Gosh, I wish I could do this for Johnny,' " she said.

By 1978, the military had declared Adam dead. A memorial service was held, and a marker was erected at one of three burial plots his parents had purchased. In 1999 his mother, Esther Adam, died and was buried next to his empty plot. Longtime friends would occasionally ask Adam's sisters: "Have you ever heard?" Turns out, strangers thought about it, too.

The Air Force kept the family informed about its efforts to find Adam, who was an airman first class at the time of the crash. "For all this time they've been searching. They just don't give up," his father, Ken Adam, said. "They keep looking." He knows because the Air Force sent letter after letter to the house on Longwood, detailing the search.

In 2002, the military excavated a site and found identification for at least one crew member. Slowly the pieces came together. Eventually, Adam was identified through dental records and DNA. He was one of only five crew members positively identified. In May, the military called the same house on Longwood to share the latest news: Their son was identified. He was headed home.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Wyandotte Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Edward H. 72, 24Jan1935 - 10Apr2007, Kansas City, Wyandotte, KS, NE-506-34-9626