Arleen Blankenship

Kennedy

Arleen Blankenship Kennedy died peacefully in her sleep Thursday, August 15 at Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital in Sweetwater, Texas at the age of 96.

Arleen was born in Roanoke, Virginia on September 8, 1927 to Evelyn Layne Dogan and Auburn "Bud" Dogan. She grew up in Roanoke, eventually meeting and marrying Roy Blankenship, Jr. after he returned home after serving in World War II.

At age 16, she got a job to pay for flying lessons and joined the Civil Air Patrol during World War II. She inquired about applying for the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) but found out she was too young. In high school she became a talented transcriber for Western Union. She was recruited to spend a summer in New York City, preparing telegrams to be delivered during World War II.

Arleen lived a very busy life, taking care of her home, yard and four children, including attending every special event in their lives. She was an excellent cook and always included every friend who happened to be there.

She had a wide circle of great friends who enjoyed playing bridge and sharing recipes. She was an avid reader and an animal lover. She was a skilled and talented gardener, raising all kinds of flowers and vegetables.  She loved to be outside and working in her yard.

In 1966, the family moved to Sweetwater, Texas, but always traveled back to Virginia for visits.

Arleen spent hundreds of hours doing genealogy research, long before there was internet access, and this interest continued for many years.

The biggest joys of her life were her children and grandchildren, maintaining a deep interest in all of their activities and loving them unconditionally.

Arleen was preceded by her husband Roy Blankenship in1988, her parents and her brother, Vernon.

Following the loss of Roy, Arleen married Bill Kennedy in 1993, and they were married for 20 years.

She is survived by her four children: Terry Blankenship of Sweetwater, Karen Mast of Tuscola, Roy Blankenship III (Suzanne) of Austin, LouAnn Cumbie (Dennis) of Sweetwater. Grandchildren Brandon Mast, Sarah Cumbie Conrad (Matt), Jessica Blankenship Scharffenberger (Ryan), Jake Blankenship, Kyle Blankenship, Kristi Blankenship, Blake Cumbie. Great grandsons Jackson Conrad and Myles Conrad, step sister Pam Newton, many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her step children ; Bob Kennedy (Marisa), Mary Jane Harbison (Larry) and grandsons Matt Kennedy (Andrea), David Kennedy (Anastasia) and great grandsons Jackson and Colin Kennedy.

An important part of her extended family were the wonderful caregivers who made sure her last years were happy ones.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Sweetwater where she served on numerous committees and taught Sunday School for many years.

Family visitation will be Saturday, August 17 at McCoy Funeral Home from 5-7 PM.

Servies will be at First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, August 18 at 2 PM with Kathy Monroe officiating. Interment and graveside services will be at Garden of Memories at 4 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Presbyterian Church in Sweetwater.