Jennie Jones Blankenship of Gruver, Texas passed away on December 4, 2020 at the age of 80. A graveside service is scheduled for 2:00 pm, Thursday, December 10, 2020 at the Gruver Cemetery with Rev. Steve Chappell officiating. The funeral home in Spearman will be open for viewing/visitation Tuesday (12/8/20) 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Wednesday (12/9/20) until 9:00 am - 9:00 pm and Thursday (12/10/20) 9:00 am until service time. Arrangements are under the direction of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home of Spearman. Due to COVID 19 guidelines, we will be practicing social distancing and occupancy numbers will be limited.

Born November 12, 1940 in Amarillo, Texas to proud parents Tom and Polly Jones, also of Gruver. Jennie Jones married the love of her life, William L. (Sonny) Blankenship, on January 20, 1958. This blessed union included two children, Billy Tom and Debra, and has endured over 63 wonderful years. After Sonny graduated from College in 1963, the family moved to Tulia, Texas and lived there until 1978. Jennie was a devoted wife, a nurturing parent, and was active in the children's activities and community affairs. Jennie was a stay-at-home mom until the children reached Junior High age. She started work as the secretary for the Tulia Chamber of Commerce, and later became manager. She worked with community leaders and managed the City Pool. One of the grandest projects was assisting with the building of the Swisher County Memorial Building. Jennie worked with civic and business leaders, and various foundations to secure grants and aid. Jennie and Sonny moved to Morse, Texas in 1978 to acquire and operate Morse Oil Co. and later Gruver Fuel in Gruver. In addition, they operated a family farm until their retirement in 2005.

Some of her accomplishments and recognition include Homecoming Queen of the Gruver High School Class of 1959, Beta Sigma Phi sweetheart, and Tulia Woman of the Year in 1977. Jennie's family migrated to Hansford County in 1884. Jennie was proud of her family history, which included the State of Texas -Family Land Heritage Program designation. This recognition signifies the continuous operation and ownership of the homestead and farm for over 100 years. This interest in their pioneer legacy, led her father, Tom, to become the first President of the Hansford County Historical Commission. In later years, Jennie also served as the President of the commission.

Jennie was a member of the Gruver United Methodist Church.

Jennie was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Polly Jones; mother and father-in-law Albert and Lou Blankenship; sister-in-law Martha Davis and husband, Lynn of Morse, Tx and brother-in-law, Pat Blankenship of Adrian, Tx; Mildred, Reuben and Guy Paul Hintergardt; Tommy Joe, Charlotte and David Bergin; Joel Lee, Joyce and Jeff Lackey.

Jennie is survived by her husband, Sonny, of the home; son, Billy Tom of Gruver, Tx; daughter, Debra and husband, Gregg Timmons of Flower Mound, Tx; grandson, Beau Ryan Blankenship of Amarillo, Tx; sister, Ramona Reynolds and husband, Gene of Gruver, Tx; sister-in-law Beth Dortch and husband, Tom of Morse, Tx; sister-in-law Kay Blankenship of Adrian, Tx; brother-in-law Eschol Blankenship and wife, Eulalia of Spearman, Tx; brother-in-law John Blankenship of Amarillo, Tx; Dick and Beverly Hintergardt; Bud and Katie Hintergardt; Scott Hintergardt, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is thankful for many lifelong friends which included many bridge club members.

The family was privileged to have several helpers in the home; Rosa, Tamasa and nursing helper, Linda. The family wants to thank a very special person, Paty Gonzalez. During the toughest times of the 13- year battle with dementia, she was invaluable. The family will always be eternally indebted to her for the care, assistance, and love administered to Jennie. God bless the caregivers.

The family hopes and prays for all families who have, who are, and who will endure the pain and suffering of dementia. In the loving words of her son, Billy, we share the following poem and his remembrance:

The Long Goodbye
The Worries, The Plans, The Words of Kindness.
The Realities, The Moments, The Waiting.
The Memories, The Words Unsaid, The Desperate Pleas.
The Prayers, The Hope, The Inevitable.
The Expressions of Love, The Tears and Hugs, The Release.
The Heartbreak, The Rise Up, The Elation of a Life Well Lived.
The Life Revisited, The Lives Touched, The Healing of a Long Goodbye.

In Remembrance

Jennie Lucille Jones Blankeship

Loving Wife, Mother, and Nana.

The Love of my Father's Life.

The Heavenly Fathers Choice as my Mom.

The Nurthurer and Heart of our Family.

The Child of God.