Mary Eva Blankenship
Mary E. Blankenship, age 73, of Sullivan, MO passed away Monday, January 20, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Washington, MO.
Mary Eva was born on June 14, 1946 in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of Sigmund Joseph and Mertie Nell (Bizzle) Krygiel. She attended St. Anthony Catholic grade school and graduated from Sullivan High School, class of 1964. Mary was united in marriage to Robert Blankenship on September 24, 1966 in Sullivan and two children, Joe and Julie, were born to their union. As a teenager, Mary began working for Du Kum Inn, prior to her folks purchasing the restaurant in 1961. Through the years, she worked in the family restaurant and raised her family. Bob passed away in 1984. Mary and Theresa purchased the restaurant from Nell in 1990 and continued the family tradition.
In her spare time, Mary enjoyed reading, watching Judge Judy, flower gardening, bird watching and going to the Casino. She loved spending time with her grandson, Brody, and he especially loved her biscuits and gravy. Her family was the most important part of her life. Mary was a lifelong member of St. Anthony Catholic Church.
Mary is survived by her two children, Joe Blankenship of Sullivan, MO and Julie Blankenship of Sullivan, MO; one grandson, Brody Binkholder; two brothers, John Krygiel (friend, Paula Dace) of St. Clair, MO and Tom Krygiel and wife Michelle of Sullivan, MO; three sisters: Pauline Payne of Sullivan, MO, Ruth Ann Thompson and husband Keith of Sullivan, MO and Theresa Hulsey and husband Bob of Sullivan, MO; numerous nieces and nephews, Bob’s family, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her parents, Joe and Nell Krygiel; one brother, David Krygiel; and parents-in-law, Forest & Rose Blankenship.
Funeral Mass was 10 a.m., Friday, January 24, 2020 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Sullivan, celebrated by Father Paul Telken. Interment followed in Cave Spring Cemetery in Sullivan.
Visitation was held 4-8 p.m., Thursday, January 23, 2020 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.
Memorial contributions in Mary’s name may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Friends may send online condolences to Mary’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, MO.