Virginia "Dorlene" (Major) Blankenship

Virginia “Dorlene” (Major) Blankenship was born May 4, 1936, in Boss, Missouri to Glen and Verna (Pyatt) Major. Dorlene grew up in the Boss area and attended school in a one room schoolhouse until her family moved to Salem in her early teen years. On August 9, 1952, at the age of sixteen, Dorlene was united in marriage to the love of her life Bobby “Bob” Jean Blankenship. They shared fifty-seven years of laughter and memories together before his passing October 12, 2009. Dorlene and Bob were blessed with six children: Bob, Ronnie, Karen, Steve, David, and Danny. Dorlene took great pride in caring for her home and raising her family. She was a talented seamstress and truly enjoyed sewing. Throughout her working career, she worked as a seamstress at the factory. In her spare time, she continued to sew creating many beautiful gifts for her family and friends. Dorlene enjoyed reading but treasured the time spent with her family the most. She liked spending time outdoors, especially fishing and camping. She had many fond memories with her family at High Logway Eddie and the Piney River in Licking. Dorlene was a doting grandmother and adored her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Dorlene passed away peacefully March 19, 2023, in her home in Salem, Missouri surrounded by all her children at the age of eighty-six years. She is survived by her loving children: Bob Blankenship and wife Cathy of Kimberling City, MO, Ronnie Blankenship and wife Gaye Lynn of Salem, MO, Karen Givens and husband Art of Salem, MO, Steve Blankenship and wife Cathy of Licking, MO, and Daniel Blankenship of Salem, MO; daughter-in-law: Brenda Blankenship of Salem, MO; sister: Donna Nelson and husband Ivan of Salem, MO; grandchildren: Brad Blankenship and wife Tiffany, Brian Blankenship and wife Brittany, Carry Patton and husband Jereme, Jason Blankenship and wife Shannon, Ashley Sullins, Mathen Givens and wife Mandy, Matthew Givens and fiancé Kimberly, Tera Becklenberg and husband Aaron, Kevin Blankenship and wife Tiffany, Desirae Owens and husband Toby, and Kristopher Blankenship and wife Cassie; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren with two on the way; extended family, and dear friends. Preceding her in death, loving husband: Bob Blankenship; son: David Blankenship; parents: Glen and Verna Major; brothers: James Major and Darrel Major; and sister: Rita Melton. Dorlene was sweet, kind, and very loving. She was mild mannered with a quick wit. Dorlene leaves behind a great legacy and will be forever missed by those who loved her most. Funeral Services for Virginia Dorlene Blankenship were held Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Chris Hendrix officiating Ronnie Blankenship sharing the eulogy. Song selections played were “If This Is The Last Time”, “Uncloudy Day”, “Take My Hand, Precious Lord”, and “Where Her heart Has Always Been”. Serving as Pallbearers were Brad Blankenship, Brian Blankenship, Jason Blankenship, Mathen Givens, Kevin Blankenship and Kris Blankenship. Honorary Pallbearers were Mathew Givens, Tom Ard, and Jereme Patton. Burial was in the Licking Cemetery, Licking, Missouri. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Dorlene Blankenship to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital and left at Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Online Condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Virginia "Dorlene" (Major) Blankenship

May 4, 1936 - March 19, 2023