Rose Blankenship

Rose G. Blankenship, 89, of Fittstown, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Rose was born to Gottlieb and Dorothea Niesing on June 14, 1935, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Rose graduated from Central High School in Sheboygan in 1954. Rose married the love of her life, Charles Blankenship, on May 28, 1955. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, and love. Rose was known for her devotion to her family and her exceptional baking, especially her bread and pies, which were treasured by all who knew her. She also enjoyed traveling to Wisconsin to visit family and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Rose was an active member of Fittstown Baptist Church for many years, and enjoyed teaching and attending Sunday school, bible studies, and singing hymns. Rose will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and treasured friend to all those whose lives she touched. She was a dedicated Christian and an avid reader.

Rose is survived by her husband, Charles Blankenship; her children, Deborah Biele and husband Steven of Valdese, NC, Crystal Lewis of Corinth, TX, and Lori Ethridge of Choctaw, OK; her two sisters-in-law, Carole Davis and Ima Jean Blankenship, both of Ada, OK; her grandchildren, Michael Lewis and wife Ashley, Caleb Biele, Elizabeth Martin, Garrison Ethridge and wife Holly, Katie Ethridge, and Lauren Ethridge; and her four great-grandchildren, Walker Lewis, Hannah Martin, Jackson Martin, and Olivia Martin. Rose is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings: Sophia Niesing, Gottlieb Niesing Jr., Jacob Niesing, David Niesing, Frederick "Fritz" Niesing, Marie Markus, Emma Kriese, Esther Boje, John Niesing, Waldemar "Wally" Niesing, Ruth Peterson, and Robert Niesing; her two brothers-in-law, Don Blankenship and John Davis; and her son-in-law, Gary Ethridge.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Fittstown Baptist Church; Rev. Reno Dye will officiate and will be followed by a graveside service at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) or the American Cancer Society.

Bearers are Steven Biele, Michael Lewis, Walker Lewis, Garrison Ethridge, Gary Strong, and Jerry Winters.