Linda L. Blankenship

Linda Louise Blankenship, 73, of Keokuk, went Home to Glory on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Linda was born on December 29, 1951, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Philip and Dorcas "Duke" (Varner) Rose. She graduated from Keokuk High School in 1970, and on March 20, 1971, she was united in marriage to Gordon Blankenship at First Christian Church in Keokuk. He survives. She was the ultimate racer's wife, the first secretary of Keokuk Christian Academy, former part-owner of Keokuk Contractors and a swim instructor/lifeguard at the Hoerner YMCA until just weeks before her death. Linda considered New Testament Christian Church in Keokuk her second home, and the people there her second family. A member since 1977, she taught children for over thirty years and has been an integral part of small groups and bible studies. Always the ultimate hostess, friends were welcome to stop in for cards or meals at any time. Linda bowled in a league at Arrowhead in Keokuk and was actively involved at LaMoine Christian Service Camp in Tennessee, Illinois. But of all the things she enjoyed, nothing gave her more joy than being a grandma. Linda is survived by her husband Gordon Blankenship of Keokuk; her daughter Gina (John) Heflick of Evansville, Indiana; and her son Gordon (Jamie) Blankenship of Liberty, Illinois. She was "Grandma Linda" to Gordon III, Christian, Caine, Nate & Madi, Daniel & Alyssa, Paige & Sam, Ava & Logan, Brockman; and hundreds of church kids and swim students over the years. Linda is preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws Pete and Mildred Blankenship, and her brother Walt Baker. Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at New Testament Christian Church in Keokuk. A private burial will be held on Monday, September 1, 2025, at Keokuk National Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, from 5 to 8 pm at New Testament Christian Church in Keokuk. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Keokuk Christian Academy. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Linda L. Blankenship, please visit our Tree Store.