Bette Lou Blankenship age 79, of Mitchell, SD died Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at Holy Family Catholic Church with burial at the American Legion Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday, September 19, 2016 at the Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM.

Bette Lou Blankenship, daughter of Vincent and Ruby (Duggan) Sharkey, was born in Chino, CA on May 22, 1937. As a child she moved with her family to a farm in Tripp County, SD. Bette Lou attended country school and later graduated from Winner High School in 1955. She taught while attending college at Southern State College in Springfield, SD earning her degree in teaching.

Bette Lou was united in marriage with Richard Blankenship on November 30, 1957 in Mitchell, SD at  Holy Family Catholic Church. The couple made their home in Mitchell. Bette Lou taught country school near Letcher and later in Ethan, SD , 25 years at Holy Spirit Elementary School, 8 years at Holy Family Elementary Schools and 8 years as a substitute teacher. She retired from teaching in 2002. Bette Lou will always be remembered as "always helping everybody else first".

Bette Lou was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church and was also very involved in the Democratic Party. Bette was awarded "Teacher of the Year in 1986".

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Richard Blankenship, Mitchell, SD; a son, Gregg (Mary Harrington) Blankenship, Mitchell, SD; two brothers, Donald (Susan) Sharkey, Upton, WY, Richard (Shari) Sharkey, Grand Island, NE; two sisters, Bonnie Arend, Woonsocket, SD, Mary Ann (Ken) Graff, Spearfish, SD; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.