Lois Rice Blankenship

Lois Rice Blankenship, of Roanoke, Va., entered into eternal rest on Monday, October 12, 2009, in her home while surrounded by her family. She was born in Giles County, Va., on September 25, 1937, one of the 21 children born to Henry C. Rice. Lois was the first child born to Henry and Bertha Lawson Rice. She was the family historian and loved to work on her genealogy. She used her talents to research the ancestors for many members of the 2nd Virginia Cavalry Co. C and the SCV. She was previously employed by Kenrose Manufacturing Company and the Roanoke County Schools as a much loved teacher's assistant. She was an active member of the Community of Faith Church and participated in the SOAR group of retirees from Yokahama Tire Company. She is preceded in death by her parents; and 12 siblings. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 57 years, Edward Eugene Blankenship, of Roanoke; two sons, Michael E. Blankenship, of Roanoke, and Donnie L. Blankenship and wife, Johniece "Babe," of Roanoke; grandchildren, Joshua L. Blankenship, of Roanoke, Cody Blankenship and wife, Cameron, of Shawsville, Misty B. Brooks and husband, Bentley, of Columbus, Miss., Dustin P. Blankenship and wife, Patricia, of Shawsville, Linsey B. Wade and husband, Brian, of Roanoke, and Angel Hall and husband, Jayme, of Gerard, Pa. She is also survived by seven greatgrandchildren; brothers, Watha Rice, of Peterstown, W.Va., Mason Rice, of Dublin, Paul Rice, of Salem, Henry C. Rice, of Salem, and Mark Rice, of Pembroke; sisters, Cleo Tate, of Pearisburg, Ethel T. Burkholder, of Salem, Reba Smith, of The Villages, Fla., and Sharon Carbaugh, of Blacksburg. She also leaves several special nephews, nieces and friends. Special thanks to Good Samaritan Hospice and John Edmonds for their caring services to the family. Services will be held noon on Thursday, October 15, 2009, at Oakey's South Chapel on Brambleton Avenue. The Rev. Jim Hain will officiate. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. Honors will be by the 2nd Virginia Cavalry Company C. The family will receive friends at Oakey's South Chapel from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2009. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.