GUSSIE M. BLANKENSHIP

After a long struggle with health issues, Gussie Blankenship (nee Bailey) left this earth to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday evening, July 24th, 2010. Gussie was the eighth of eleven children born to Joseph and Della (nee Roberts) Bailey in Lamar, West Virginia on August 8th, 1934.

Gussie married James E. Blankenship, they moved to Cleveland, Ohio where she worked for General Electric Company for several years. Gussie and James started their family and relocated to Spencer, Ohio. With much love, devotion and hard work she raised her children on their farm in the country. Later on, she coordinated activities for the residents at Webers Nursing Home in Wellington, Ohio. She also devoted her time to many friends she helped care for and assist in their time of need.

Gussie was a member of the First Baptist Church in Spencer, Ohio for many years. No matter the time or situation, she was always there for family and friends. Whether you knew her for a long or short period of time, you knew Gussie for all of the wonderful reasons that made her the sweet person that she was. We will always remember her loving, caring and giving ways. She was truly a beautiful person from inside and out that always shined. She will always be in our hearts and minds. What a privilege it has been for each and every one of us to have had her in our lives. She is at rest now.

Gussie is survived by son, James E. Blankenship Jr. (Jeanne) of Valley City, Ohio, daughter Marsha Kornowski of Spencer, Ohio, son Michael Blankenship also of Spencer, daughter Darlene (Jeff) Coleman of Akron, Ohio and daughter Cynthia (Mark) Weersing of Medina, Ohio, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren, her siblings are Jack Bailey of Winchester, VA, Anne (Bonnie) Houchins of Jacksonville, FL and Howard Bailey (Diane) of Purcellville, VA, also to include many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband James E. Blankenship, son Kenneth, parents, brothers Ray, Frank, Dewey, Lonnie, Joseph (Donald) and Dale Bailey and sister Versie Youther.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 28 from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM at Carlson Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 3477 Medina Road (Corner of Route 18 & River Styx Road), Medina. Pastor Jeff Mullet will officiate. Funeral Service will be held on at 11 AM on Thursday, July 29, 2010 at First Baptist Church, 302 W. Main St. (Rt. 162), Spencer. Burial will take place at Spencer Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, family has suggested contributions be made to Akron General Visiting Nurse Service- Hospice & Palliative Care 3358 Ridgewood Road, Akron, Ohio 44333.