Mary Louise Blankinship

January 3, 1950 - November 1, 2019

Mary Louise Blankinship, age 69, of Versailles, passed away Friday, November 1, 2019, at her home. She was born January 3, 1950, in Kansas City, Kansas, a daughter of the late Francis Caldwell and Laverne (Cox) Smith. On December 11, 1976, in Kansas City, Kansas, she was united in marriage to Terry E. Blankinship, who preceded her in death on January 10, 2017. Mary loved her children and grandchildren and treasured the time she spent with them. Her cats and dogs also held a special place in her heart. Her family will miss her big beautiful smile. She is survived by her son Gary Heldstab of Kansas City, Kansas; her daughter, Missy Heldstab of Kansas City, Kansas; eighteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother, David W. Smith of De Soto, Kansas; sisters, Teresa Smith of Randolph, Mississippi and Joyce Conn of Basehor, Kansas and many other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Frankie Heldstab, her brothers, Robert Smith and Wayne Smith and her sister, Beverly Cookson. The family held a private celebration of Mary’s life. Memorial donations may be made to the funeral home to assist the family. Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com. Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.