Mildred Isabell (Cook) Blankenship passed away Friday, July 8, 2016, at Cox South Hospital. She was born April 14, 1929 to Samuel Newton and Laura Isabell (Henson) Cook. She was 87 years of age. She was preceded in death by her husband William (Bill) Willard Blankenship (1970) and her son, Billy Keith Blankenship (2008). She is survived by one brother, Charles H. Cook, and four sisters-in-law, Ethel (George) Cook, Aileen (John) Cook, Nadine (Jack) Blankenship, and Molly (Wayne) Barker. She is survived by 14 nieces and nephews plus their extended families. Mildred was preceded in death by 6 brothers: William Calvin, Benjamin Franklin, George Raymond, James Terrill, John Clyde, and Samuel Newton Jr. and 3 sisters: Susan Ellen, Dora Catherine (Hargis), and Delia Irene (Frakes). She was also preceded in death by 5 nephews and 6 nieces.
Mildred graduated from Seymour High School in 1947. She worked as a waitress, then a restaurant manager and later became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She became a widowed, single mother at an early age and worked hard to support her son and herself. She spent many years working for the Red Cross organization. She was known for her joking attitude, sharp wit, and willingness to help others. She never turned away a stranger. She treasured her family and her heritage. Visitation will be at 9 am Thursday, July 14, at Klingner-Cope at Midtown Chapel, 1635 N. Benton Ave, Springfield, MO. Services to follow at 10 am. The family will travel to Seymour Missouri Masonic Cemetery for internment immediately following the services.