Retha J. Blankenship, 77, died Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at Asbury Park in Newton. She was born Oct. 21, 1938, in Nash, Okla., to Donald K. and Denzil M. (Turner) Strait. On May 27, 1955, she married Gary L. Blankenship in Wichita, and he preceded her in death Dec. 4, 2002.
Retha worked as a sales associate and stockroom clerk at the Newton Alco for several years.
She is survived by her daughters Monica Stovall and her husband Jay of Newton, Lori Weis and her husband Dale of Newton, and Kathy Lusk and her husband Randy of Mulvane; brothers Vernon Strait of Mulvane and Keith Strait of Berthoud, Colo.; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Retha was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers Melvin and Herschel Strait.
Funeral service was on Monday, July 25, at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in the Greenwood Cemetery in Newton.
Memorials are suggested to Victory in the Valley in care if Petersen Funeral Home in Newton.
