Mary Isabelle Blankenship

Isabelle Blankenship of Roanoke
April 23, 1921 - March 24, 2018

Mary Isabelle Grantham Blankenship, born on April 23, 1921 passed away peacefully in the presence of family on March 24, 2018.

Isabelle is remembered as a devoted wife, wonderful mother and grandmother who always put her family before herself. She leaves a legacy of love and wisdom.

Isabelle was born to Mary and Novel Grantham in Pulaski, Virginia. She was the ninth of thirteen children. Isabelle married Francis Edwin (Pete) Blankenship on September 20, 1946 in Long Beach, CA. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and all of her siblings. Isabelle is survived by her daughter, Karen (Bob) Reneau, son Bobby (Barb) Blankenship; grandchildren, Susan (Marshall) Rathmell, Emily (Joey) Glasgow, and Steve (Olivia) Reneau; and her great-grandchildren, John Marshall and Amelia Rathmell, Andrew and Joseph Glasgow, and Grantham Poole-Reneau; and a host of cherished nieces and nephews.

Isabelle and her husband loved travel and adventure. Some of their travels included trips to Spain, Africa, Mexico, Canada, Rio De Janeiro, Hawaii, the Bahamas, Rome, Naples, and Pompeii. Following their marriage in California, the couple drove across the U.S. between Virginia and California on two occasions. While newlyweds in California, the couple enjoyed football games at the Rose Bowl and horse racing at Santa Anita Racetrack.

Isabelle worked for years in the health care industry in California and Virginia. She loved playing Canasta with close friends, dancing in her later years, and remained focused on family and friends throughout her life. She basked in her role as “Meemaw” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and embraced her youngest family members with joy. She was determined that their lives would be easier than the one she knew as a child and as a working woman. “Get your education” was a common command from her. She was very proud of her brood’s successes. Her lessons of love, devotion, hard work, and perseverance live on.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday March 27, 2018 with the Reverends Steve Reneau and Olivia Poole officiating. Visitation will be at Lotz Funeral Home Chapel beginning at 10:00 am, one hour before the funeral service. Lotz Funeral Home is located at 1330 East Main Street, in Salem, VA. 24153; telephone number (540) 389-9208.

Serving as Pallbarers will be Barbara Blankenship, Bob Reneau, Marshall Rathmell, Joey Glasgow, Mark Petri, and Glenn Hall.

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