Lois Blankenship

Mrs. Lois Kathleen Blankenship, aged 82, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully after a long battle with emphysema on August 16, 2008. Born Lois Kathleen Hart in Passaic, MO, she was preceeded in death by her parents, Willard Clark and Lena Hart; brother, William; and sister, Helen. Lois was the devoted loving wife of James M. Blankenship for 61 years. Together they raised four children, Mary (Dennis) Anderson, James Robert Blankenship, Patricia (Derrell) Ellis, Brenda (Vernon) Chase; eight grandchildren, Cory (Christina) Blankenship, Jay (LeeAnn) Anderson, Katie Anderson, Mackenzie (Jorge) Santana, Andrea Lotterman, Clayton J. Chase, Kristopher Hesler, and Rebecca Blankenship; five great grandchildren, Caleigh, Cheyenne, William, Owen, Jazmyn; and special little friends, Jaxon and Jacob. She leaves behind her dear friend and sister-in-law of 65 years, Mildred Hart; nephew, William (Kim) Hart and her niece, Judy (Michael) Hatter and their children; countless cousins, friends and treasured companions from card club, church and her neighborhood. In addition to raising her family, she was an active member of the Disciples of Christ Church for 60 years. At various times in her life she worked for the U.S. Post Office, Chrysler Corp., Wurzburgs, and Meijers, Inc. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, 11 a.m. at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel with Rev. Raymond Gaylord officiating. Friends may call at the funeral chapel Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association or to Cascade Christian Church memorial fund. Zaagman Memorial Chapel