EDITH MARIE BLANKENSHIP

Edith Marie Blankenship, 88 of Galax, VA and formerly of Bastian, VA, peacefully went home to be with her Lord Saturday, March 28, 2020. Born in Tazewell, VA, she was the daughter of the late William N and Lena M Bennett Neel. Edith accepted the Lord as her Savior when she was 29 years old and served Him faithfully thru her life. She was a member of the Bastian Union Church and also attended Round Bottom United Methodist Church, where she served as treasurer, helped in the Children's Care Ministry and helped with the work of Fall Festivals. She enjoyed quilting and working in her flower garden. She loved her family, being in their presence, cooking for them and others and being a caregiver to those in need. She retired from K-Mart after many years of service. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers: Fred Eugene Neel and James Edward Neel; daughters: Anna Marie Church and Martha Elizabeth Church.

She will be lovingly and affectionately missed by her husband of more than 48 years: Richard M. Blankenship of Bastian, VA; daughters: Linda Haynes of Princeton, WV, Jennifer Burton and husband, Danny of Rocky Gap, VA, Bethanie Hubbard and husband, Gene of Hillsville, VA and Kimberly Looney and husband, Steven of Bastian, VA; sisters: Mary Stowers of Bluefield, WV and Georgia Durham of Bluefield, VA; grandchildren: Keith Durham, Chris Morris, Melissa Whitney (Brett), Jamie Weise (Preston), Jeremy Burton (Samantha), Derek Hubbard (Ashley), Heather Looney and Jessica Looney; 10 great-grandchildren; several great great-grandchildren.

Due to the current health regulations by the CDC and local government, there will be a private family service to celebrate Edith's Homegoing at Bastian Union Church with Pastor Paul Looney officiating.

It is the family's request that donations be made to: Bastian Union Church Building Fund in lieu of flowers.

Dudley Memorial is serving the Blankenship family.