Cynthia Rea Blankenship

Cindy Blankenship, 51, of rural Unionville, MO, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, March 17, 2016.

Cynthia Rea (Klingsmith) Blankenship was born in Unionville, MO, on December 2, 1964, the daughter of Floyd and Linda (Rowland) Klingsmith. She was reared south of Hartford, MO, until moving with her family to the Omaha area of Putnam County when she was fourteen. She married Phillip Blankenship at Hartford Baptist Church on April 25, 1981, and he survives at home. Cindy and Phillip made their home in the Omaha area. Cindy worked as a nurse’s aide for a few years at the Monroe Manor in Unionville and then spent the rest of her life as a stay at home Mom and primary care giver for their son AJ.

Cindy had a care giver’s heart. She devoted her life to caring for her family, especially AJ. She loved to cook for her family and they recall a number of favorite dishes that she prepared. Cindy often took in orphaned animals, wild or domestic. She has had raccoons, rabbits, turkeys, ducks, and chickens. Cindy also loved to attend garage sales. She collected owls and liked to sew, quilt and crochet. Most of all she was a quite person who loved to be with family. Cindy was a member of Hartford Baptist Church.

In addition to her husband, Cindy is survived by her children, Anthony James “AJ” Blankenship of the home, Joshua Phillip (Jaclyn) Blankenship of Cincinnati, IA, and Ariel Dawn (Wesley) Parsons, of Livonia, MO. Her two grandchildren are Jack and Jasper Blankenship. She is also survived by a sister, Krista (Chris) Schoonover of Unionville, MO. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Cindy was also preceded in death by a brother, Floyd Klingsmith, Jr., who died in infancy, and son, who died at birth.

Funeral services for Cindy Blankenship will be at Hartford Baptist Church east of Unionville at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 22, 2016. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Mitchell Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of NE Missouri or Hartford Baptist Church and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.