Nellie Ettling

NELLIE BLANKENSHIP PERSUN ETTLING, 95, of South Point, OH, formerly of Huntington, WV, passed away peacefully at The Wyngate Assisted Living Home in Proctorville, Ohio on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025.
She was born July 20th, 1930 in Huntington, WV. The eldest daughter of 13 children born to Leona Cazad Blankenship and Reece Lawrence Blankenship of Upper Heath Creek in Barboursville, WV. She was educated at Barboursville High School and Marshall College and was a member of Spring Valley Presbyterian Church, where she was a member of the choir and was an elder. She worked as a manager for Joann Fabrics and later for JC Penney in the Huntington Mall, where she retired as the lead men's clothing salesperson.
She was preceded in death by her second husband, Henry "Spike" Ettling; both parents, brothers Walt, Sam, Jim, and Carl Blankenship, by sister Ann Shull, and her mother-in-law, Ruth Ettling.
She is survived by her children, Frances Adkins (Kenney) of Huntington, WV, John Persun, Jr. (Linda) of Ona, WV, Margaret Fillinger (Dan) of Huntington, WV, and Bob (Deby) of Holly Ridge, NC; grandchildren, Kenney Ray Adkins of Columbus, Ohio, Erin Persun (Philip Garrett) of Ceredo, WV, Nick Adkins (Haley Linville), Kassie Dudding (Brandon) of Huntington, WV, Andre Persun (Tammy) of Sneads Ferry, NC, and Mariah Smith (Cooper) of Hampstead, NC; great- grandchildren, Teighan Garrett, Elijah Garrett, River Dudding, Eden Dudding, Robin Adkins, Magnolia (Maggie) Adkins, and Sylvi Smith; brothers Paul and Boyd Blankenship; sisters, Dorothy Chapman, Elsie Carrico, Irene English, Erma Finley, Rosemary Collins, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
As was her wish, she is being cremated and a celebration of life will be held later, with details forthcoming. Wallace Funeral Home in Barboursville, WV is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.