The Richmond News, Jan. 30, 2026

Jan Blankenship

Jan Marie Blankenship, 72, of Camden passed away Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, at North Care Hospice House in North Kansas City. Jan was born July 7, 1953, in Carrollton, the daughter of Donald W. and Viola “Vi” Maxine (Halterman) Heil. She was united in marriage to Brian Dean Blankenship of Carrollton on Aug. 19, 1989. He preceded her in death on Oct. 7, 2014.

Survivors include her two daughters, Rachel Suzanne Blankenship and Kathryn Jo (James) Koenig, both of Liberty; and two grandchildren, Mackenzie Brian Koenig and Violet Leona Koenig. Her sister, Karen (David) Durham of Hardin; brother-in-law, Charles “Charley” Foor; mother-in-law, Kittie Sue Blankenship; sisters-inlaw, Shari (James) Cullumber and Jan (William) Lange; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Donna Foor.

Jan was raised and educated in the area of her birth and graduated in 1971 from Norborne High School. She later attended Columbia College in Columbia, where she earned her Associate of Arts degree.

A devoted wife, mother and homemaker, Jan dedicated her life to raising her family and supporting her husband throughout his career in educational administration. As their family moved to different school districts, Jan seamlessly adapted, often finding work in local banks wherever they lived, including Citizens Savings in Columbia, Mercantile Bank in Trenton, Martinsburg Bank in Mexico and Ozark Mountain Bank in Branson, to name a few.

Jan had a deep love for the outdoors and found great joy in flowers, gardening and especially tending to her beloved peonies. She was an animal lover who faithfully fed her hummingbirds and appreciated the quiet beauty of nature, often capturing it through photographs of sunsets and misty, fog-filled mornings. Above all, Jan treasured time spent with her family. She delighted in spoiling her children and especially her grandchildren, who brought her endless happiness.

Jan also enjoyed music and was a gifted singer. She loved her grand-puppies, Grady, Murphy, Huckleberry and Winnie.

She was an active and faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Norborne, where she cherished the fellowship and friendships of her church family.

Jan will be dearly missed by her family and friends. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Ray County Transit, Trinity Lutheran Cemetery or North Care Hospice House. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 31, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Norborne, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. and services to follow at 10:30, with Rev. Tysen Bibb to officiate. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Norborne. Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of the arrangements.

Please share your memories of Jan with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.