Geraldine Blankenship

Geraldine P. Blankenship, 87, of Chetopa, passed away at 12:26 p.m., Monday, December 17, 2018 at Mercy Hospital Joplin.

She was born June 17, 1931 in Chetopa, Kansas to Clarence H. and Ona (Shipley) Wedding. As a young girl, Geraldine grew up in Chetopa where she attended school and graduated in 1948 from Chetopa High School.

Following high school, Geraldine and Delmar Dean Blankenship were married in Joplin.  After marriage, the couple made their home in Chetopa.  For many years, they owned and operated the former Blankenship Hardware store.  She also owned and operated the Chetopa Five and Dime for several years.

She was a member of the Community Bible Church and had attended the Assembly of God church in the past.  Geraldine taught Sunday school for many years and was an avid attender of bible study.  She loved getting "a deal" at garage sales and auctions and also had "dabbled" in real estate.

Survivors include:

Two Sons – David Blankenship and his wife, Julie, of Webb City, MO

Gregory Blankenship and his wife, Martha, of Chetopa, KS

Five Grandchildren – Laurie Crocker, Sara Hoffman (Dustin), Ira Blankenship, Ariellel Blankenship, and Yosiah Blankenship

Five Great-Grandchildren – Ezra Crocker, Mitchell Crocker, Barek Hoffman, Boden Hoffman, and Boone Hoffman

She was preceded in death by her husband, Delmar Blankenship, on March 15, 1993; and one sister, Doris King.

Graveside memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 21, 2018 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa under the direction of the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa.

Memorials are suggested to the Community Bible Church.  These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.