Barbara Jean Blankenship

Barbara J. Blankenship (née Idso), 66, of Austin, Texas, passed away at her Austin home June 2, 2018.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m. June 10, 2018, at Cook Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home at 9700 Anderson Mill Road, Austin, Texas 78750.

Her ashes will be later interred at Central Texas Veterans Cemetery.

Barbara was born March 25, 1952, in Bozeman, Montana, to Paul and Norma Idso. The second oldest of six children, she traveled the world growing up in an Army family. She proudly attended 17 schools, graduating from McLean High School in Mclean, Virginia, in 1970.

Barbara married David Blankenship in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, August 21, 1970, upon David's completion of U.S. Army basic training. Together they deployed to Germany and began a wonderful life together traveling the world. Their love story included nine moves during the next 20 years while raising five children. With wanderlust in her soul, Barbara's favorite pastime was long, unplanned road trips with David – oftentimes to visit the ocean.

Barbara's passion was her children and grandchildren. She was ready and willing to share a story or a photo – and usually more than one – of her children and grandchildren to anyone willing to listen.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Norma, and her siblings Linda Smarr, Douglas Idso, and Debra Reynaga.

Barbara is survived by her husband, David Blankenship; five children: Michael Blankenship, Jonathan Blankenship, Sara Artrip, Laura Yeager, and Kathleen Bowen; and 15 grandchildren: Zachary, Danielle, Zoe, Gabrielle, Hannah, Miranda, Samuel, Elijah, Ryan, Alyssa, Isaiah, Jack, Jonathan, Audrey and Emily.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made in the name of Barbara Blankenship to the American Liver Foundation at https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/donate-now/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com for the Blankenship family.