Lillian Anna Blankenship, age 79 of Alexandria, SD died Sunday, November 7, 2010 at Avera McKennan Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Thursday, November 11, 2010 at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Church in Alexandria, SD with burial at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 PM Wednesday at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Church in Alexandria with a rosary service followed by a scripture service beginning at 7:00 PM.

Lillian Blankenship was born August 20, 1931 on the family farm in Alexandria, SD to Clarence and Edna Pearl (Bennett) Kewley. She was united in marriage with Marvin Blankenship in Tacoma, WA on February 2, 1952. They moved to Alexandria where she lived until her death. Over the years she opened her home and made many wonderful meals for family and friends. Lillian has a special love for children as she had a daycare in her home for many years. Above all she cherished her grandchildren.

Lillian had a strong faith and was a member of St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Church.

Grateful for having shared her life are her three children, Sharon (Tim) Doyle, Alexandria, SD, Valerie (Craig) Uptagrafft, Tea, SD, David (Cindy) Blankenship, Kearney, NE; nine grandchildren; one step grandson; two step great grandchildren; a brother, Harold Kewley, Vallejo, CA; three sisters, Bernita Tammen, Emery, SD, Vida (Marvin) Champion, Evansville, IN, Fauna (Randy) Kappenman, Mitchell, SD.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; three brothers, Donald, Clarence and Claude; seven sisters, Violet, Mabel, Dorothy, Lavina, Geneva, Phyllis and Fern.