Helen Eileen (Hunt) Blankenship

Helen Eileen Blankenship, 95, of Mishawaka, IN passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 27, 1926 in Wabash, IN to the late Edgar Hunt and Gladys (Razer) Hunt Powell. On June 23, 1945 in Wabash, Helen married Dr. Houston B. Blankenship, who preceded her in death on September 8, 1990.  Helen’s priority in life was always her family.  She and Houston raised their children in Monticello, IN where Dr. Blankenship practiced as a chiropractor.  Upon his retirement and the arrival of their grandchildren, Helen and Houston moved to Lafayette, IN, Ft. Wayne, IN and lastly, Granger, IN, which was a testament to their dedication to being near family.  Houston and Helen were almost always seen together and loved ballroom dancing, both at the country club and at parties hosted in their home.   

Nearly 25 years ago, Helen moved to The Forest in Mishawaka where she enjoyed being a board member of The Forest Condominium Association, serving as president for many years. Helen maintained an active social life and was an avid and competitive bridge player, belonging to several clubs. 

Helen was a strong and determined woman with a quick wit whose unwavering faith in Jesus Christ helped her to endure years of chronic pain.  Helen fully accepted God’s will for her life. In her final days she talked about her lifetime of prayers with Jesus.  She enjoyed her daily devotionals, listening to old hymns and reading the Bible, which she had read nearly seven times. She loved her family more than anything. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the lights of her life.  She shared countless times how blessed she felt for her life, and about the peace she had found knowing she would soon meet Jesus and be reunited with loved ones. We rejoice in knowing she is no longer in pain and that she is with her Lord and Savior. 

Helen loved and cared for her dear pets.  Most recently, her Maltese, Paulyanna, was a constant companion for the last thirteen years until she passed away in December.

Helen is survived by her son, Dr. Steven Blankenship (Dr. Victoria Sisco) of Grand Junction, MI, her daughter, Susan (Bruce) Bennett of Granger, IN; three grandchildren, Sara (David) Brodzinski of Granger, IN, Dr. Rebecca (Andrew) Katovsich of Cassopolis, MI, and Joshua (Victoria) Bennett of Granger, IN; three great-grandchildren, Tyler Brodzinski, Fiona Brodzinski and Elliot Bennett; and nieces, Lori Halderman VerMaas of Wabash, IN, and Roxanne Halderman Meeks of Owens Cross Roads, AL.    

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar Hunt and Gladys (Razer) Hunt Powell; her husband, Houston Blankenship; and her sister, Ann Halderman.

Private services for the family will be held. Burial will take place at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Marion, IN.

Helen’s family wishes to extend gratitude to the Traditions Hospice staff and the many special caregivers who lovingly walked through the last couple of years with her.  Memorial contributions may be made in Helen’s name to Traditions Hospice, 1820 E. Day Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.