Mary Blankenship, a beacon of light and love, born in Fort Scott, Kansas, on June 23, 1952 was called to her eternal home on August 27, 2025. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to so many throughout her 73 years of life.
Mary spent her entire life in the tight-knit community of Fort Scott. After graduating from Fort Scott High School in 1970, she quickly set out on her life long passion as a devoted wife and loving mother. Her dedication to nurturing the hearts and minds of children led her to own and operate Mary’s Little Lambs daycare for a decade, touching countless lives with her kindness and care.
Alongside her professional endeavors, Mary was a devout Catholic who lived her faith through her everyday actions and always trusted in the Lord’s plan. Her love for The Beatles, crocheting, reading, and above all, her role as a mom and grandmother were the simple joys that filled Mary’s life with immense happiness.
Married to her beloved husband of 49 years, Kregg Blankenship, Mary’s love and guidance shaped their beautiful family: daughters Michelle Heaton and Lori Blankenship, sons Mark Blankenship and the late Jeremy Blankenship, and foster sons Rick Chapman and John Zimmerman. Her legacy continued to flourish through her granddaughters Sam, Sarah, and Shenna, grandsons Damion and Alex, and the fifteen great-grandchildren who brought such joy to her heart.
Mary was a loving sister to her brothers Gerry and Larry Rogers, and was preceded in death by her sister, Barbra Loyd. Those who knew Mary will remember her as warm, selfless, and faith-filled. In every interaction, she echoed the love of Christ, embracing everyone with a warm smile and an open heart.
The Blankenship family finds solace in knowing Mary is now resting peacefully in the arms of her creator. Though we mourn the loss of such a remarkable woman, we celebrate the cherished memories and everlasting impact she had on all of us. Her spirit, a guiding light of love and faith, will live on forever more. Mary Blankenship was truly an embodiment of unconditional love and will be profoundly missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire all whom she touched.
Services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, September 11th, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church with interment following in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Fulton, Kansas. The Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 PM Wednesday the 10th with visitation following from 6:30 until 7:30 PM at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to The Beacon or Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.