Helen C. Blankenship, 85, Fall River, died Thursday, June 2, 2011 at her home. Helen was born on April 26, 1926 in Alma, the daughter of George William and Laura Ann Schreiber Thowe.

On Nov. 29, 1959, in Wichita, Helen married Jack R. Blankenship, He survives, of the home.

Helen worked on her farm with her husband Jack, working in the fields and taking care of livestock. She was a member of the Fall River United Methodist Church.

Also surviving are four sons, Alex Blankenship, Independence, Kim Blankenship, Valley Center, Eric Blankenship, Wakarusa, David Wolford, Fall Riverl two daughters, Jackie Hale, Liberty, Melody Frazier, Wichita; a brother, Ralph Thowe, Wichita; a sister, Grace Hanser, Glen Carbon, Ill.; 17 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral will be Wednesday, June 8 at 10 a.m. at the Fall River United Methodist Church, with burial to follow at the Eureka City Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home in Fredonia. Memorials have been suggested to Hospice Care of Kansas, and may be left with the funeral home, 420 S. 20th St., P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736.

Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com.