Rita K. Blankenship
Rita K. Blankenship
Rita K. Blankenship, 85, of Hillsboro passed away Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at her home.
She was born June 7, 1939, in Portsmouth, the daughter of the late Charles and Helen Kinker Owen.
Rita K. was a Registered Nurse, graduating form the Christ Hospital School of Nursing. She later went on to receive her master’s degree in health services administration from Central State University.
Rita K. had served Highland County in several capacities. She started her career as a nurse for G. Lyle Morris, M.D, and also for Tom Sharkey, M.D., in Hillsboro, later to continue for many years as a staff nurse for Highland District Hospital. She was a member of ALTRUSA, the Hillsboro Benevolent and Protective Elks Lodge 361 and St. Mary Catholic Church.
She is survived by three sons, Todd (Karla) Blankenship of Hillsboro, Ryan “Smoke” (Erin) Blankenship of Hillsboro and Ernie Blankenship of Gardendale, Ala.; nine grandchildren, Amber Rae Blankenship, Beau Blankenship, Chad (Shelby Brown) Blankenship, Presley Blankenship, Hannah (Brad) Tully, Marc (Emily) Blankenship, Zach (Taiyler) Blankenship, Abby Blankenship and John Blair; six great-grandchildren, Murphy, Isaac, Emersyn Blankenship, Maryssa, Priscilla and Nora Tully; and one brother, Larry (Kathy) Owen of Columbus.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Ernest B. Blankenship, on Oct. 8, 2013; one daughter, Mary Kay Blankenship; and an aunt, Helen Simones.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6 at St. Mary Catholic Church. Father Mike Paraniuk will be the Celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday from 11 a.m. until the time of Mass at the Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Highland County Society for Children and Adults, P.O. Box 258, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133.
The Turner & Son Funeral Home is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.