Helen Eileen Blankenship
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Helen Eileen Blankenship, 95, of Mishawaka, IN passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 27, 1926 in Wabash, IN to the late Edgar Hunt and Gladys (Razer) Hunt Powell. On June 23, 1945 in Wabash, Helen married Dr. Houston B. Blankenship, who preceded her in death on September 8, 1990. She and Houston raised their children in Monticello, IN where Dr. Blankenship practiced as a chiropractor. Upon his retirement and the arrival of their grandchildren, Helen and Houston moved to be near their family. They loved ballroom dancing, both at the country club and at parties hosted in their home. Helen maintained an active social life and was an avid and competitive bridge player.
Helen was a strong and determined woman with a quick wit whose unwavering faith in Jesus Christ helped her to endure years of chronic pain. Helen fully accepted God's will for her life. In her final days she talked about her lifetime of prayers with Jesus. She enjoyed her daily devotionals, listening to old hymns and reading the Bible. She loved her family more than anything. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the lights of her life. She shared countless times how blessed she felt for her life, and about the peace she had found knowing she would soon meet Jesus and be reunited with loved ones.
Helen loved and cared for her dear pets. Her dog, Paulyanna, was a constant companion for the last thirteen years until she passed away in December.
Helen is survived by her son, Dr. Steven Blankenship (Dr. Victoria Sisco) of Grand Junction, MI, her daughter, Susan (Bruce) Bennett of Granger, IN; three grandchildren, Sara (David) Brodzinski of Granger, IN, Dr. Rebecca (Andrew) Katovsich of Cassopolis, MI, and Joshua (Victoria) Bennett of Granger, IN; three great-grandchildren, Tyler Brodzinski, Fiona Brodzinski and Elliot Bennett; and nieces, Lori Halderman VerMaas of Wabash, IN, and Roxanne Halderman Meeks of Owens Cross Roads, AL.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar Hunt and Gladys (Razer) Hunt Powell; her husband, Houston Blankenship; and her sister, Ann Halderman.
Private services for the family will be held. Burial will take place at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Marion, IN.