Clara Mae Blankenship was born the daughter of Frank E. Struttman and Laura M. VanBoovem Struttman on August 11, 1938, in Rhineland, Missouri, and departed this life on September 21, 2017, in Thayer, Missouri, at the age of 79 years.
She was united in marriage on September 17, 1957, at Hernando, Mississippi, to Hosea Blankenship, who preceded her in death on February 23, 2015.
She is survived by three children, Terry Lynn Blankenship of Thayer, Missouri, Cheryl Denise Pleasant and husband, Cliff of Salem, Arkansas, and Bryan Lane Blankenship of Memphis, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Trey Pleasant of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Alyssa McCoy and husband, David of Hutto, Texas, Clint Pleasant and wife, Amanda of Salem, Arkansas, and Alexa Blankenship of Thayer, Missouri; three great grandchildren, Clara Mae, Ezekiel, and Landon; two brothers, Frank Struttman of McKittrick, Missouri and Doug Struttman of Hermann, Missouri; three sisters, Fernie O’Keefe and Shirley Baur, both of St. Charles, Missouri, and Verlee Drury of St. Louis, Missouri; several nieces and nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Gene Struttman and Cyril Struttman; and one sister, Nadine Sullivan.
Clara worked in retail sales and was manager for Dollar General in Thayer for several years.
She enjoyed spending time with her family, her flower garden, and was an avid Notre Dame fan.
Clara was a Christian and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
She will truly be missed by her family and all who knew her.
Memorial services will be held Tuesday, September 26, 2017, at 2:00 PM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Thayer, Missouri.
Local arrangements are under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
September 25, 2017 @ 7:40 am
I remember when I was a little boy spending several weeks in the summer with Clara Mae and family. By the time I returned home I had that southern twang. I will never forget how she would say my name Hey Danny!