of Melbourne, AR
June 25, 1929 - October 30, 2024
Geneva ''Tootsie'' Gillihan Blankenship of Melbourne passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
She was born June 25, 1929 at Twin Creek, Arkansas to Simon Gillihan and Verlie Mae Smith Gillihan. She was the third child of seven.
Geneva married Robert Cleveland Blankenship August 7, 1947 at Jumbo, Arkansas and they were married for 67 years. To this union three daughters were born, Lois (Carroll) Pearson of Gurdon, Pat (Keith) McCurley of Wideman and Martha (Danny) Wilkerson of Melbourne. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Tina (Robert) Martin, Melissa (Mitch) Pennington, Travis Wilkerson and Lacey (Heath) Johnson; three step-grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren and sister-in-law, Janette Gillihan.
During her life she was a homemaker and a partner in work with her husband on the farm, gardening and raising cows, hogs and crops. She enjoyed feeding her family and friends and making peanut butter cookies. She enjoyed crafts, crocheting name dollies, book markers, booties and baby blankets too. She was a member of the Twin Creek Church of Christ since an early age where she was eager to attend church services with her brothers and sister, nieces, nephews, cousins and her church family. She enjoyed good morning fishing on the White River catching trout with her husband. She spent years working with the Izard County Fair and the youth 4-H groups.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Cleveland Blankenship; five brothers, Boyce (Frances), Shelby (Sharon), Junior (Opal), George and Clifton (Melba); one sister, Katherine (Tom) Phipps and grand-daughter, Charlotte Tankersley.
Pallbearers will be Toby Smith, Heath Johnson, Jonathan Baker, Mike Phipps, Ronnie Gillihan and Michael Gillihan.
A visitation will be held at 11:00am at Combs Cemetery.
Graveside services will begin at 12:00pm Friday, November 1, 2024 at Combs Cemetery under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville with Danny Brightwell officiating.
Memorials may be made in her honor to Combs Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 1000, Melbourne, AR 72556.
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16 Condolence(s)
Debbie Jackson
Monday, November 18, 2024
Lois, Pat, Martha,
We were saddened to hear about your Mom. Larry , Steve and I were talking tonight about the meals she would fix when we came to visit. And we looked her up and saw where she had passed away. I guess I should tell you in case you can’t place us, I’m Sam (Boone) and Sylvia Gulley’s daughter. My love to all of you!!!
Barbara Rowe
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
So sorry for the loss of your dear mother, Geneva. Sending love and hugs to you three girls Lois, Pat, and Martha. I love you all she will always be in our hearts. .
Alan Vickery
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
In our thoughts and prayers,
Phyllis, Alan, Paige, & Andrew Vickery
Linda Sheffield
Monday, November 4, 2024
Lois, Pat, Martha and families, I am so sorry for your loss. Ms. Geneva was such a sweet lady and so talented. Keeping all of you in my prayers.
Mary Fowler
Friday, November 1, 2024
sorry to hear of Teneva's passing, my sympathy and prayers for all her family and friends, she will be dearly missed, may god give you comfort and peace, my love to all, distant cousin Mary Rush Fowler
Amy Hawkins
Friday, November 1, 2024
I am so blessed to have known miss Geneva for the short time I did and her wonderful loving family and friends. Such a blessing. God speed dear lady.
Delores Clark
Friday, November 1, 2024
I was not privileged to know her but I know some of her family and she raised some good folks. So sorry for the loss of one of the great ladies
Sue barksdale
Friday, November 1, 2024
Wonderful lady, she will be missed.
Connie White
Friday, November 1, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of aunt Genevas passing . Daddy sure loved her . We all did . Sending prayers and hugs to all the family . We love you all.
Kristi Gordon/Tims
Friday, November 1, 2024
Oh sweet Aunt Geneva. Your precious soul and smile that lit up the room. Your warm hugs and little pats on the back. Your world famous peanut butter cookies. This is just the start of how you will be missed. Fly High I'm sure Gma Zelpha and Uncle Cleveland welcomed you with open arms and were so excited to open those gates to Heaven
Paula Roddy
Friday, November 1, 2024
Pat and family
Sorry for your loss
Sincere sympathy
Paula Roddy
Steve & Jo Ann Roberts
Friday, November 1, 2024
We are saddened to hear of the passing of your granny. She sure made the best peanut butter cookies we ever had. She was always so sweet to Steve when he delivered propane to her. She would always have him some sort of treat. Mainly the cookies she knew we both loved them and her. The families will be in our prayers. May God give each of you comfort in the days, weeks ahead
Love and prayers,
Steve & Jo Ann Roberts
Dorothy (Luecke) Plumb
Friday, November 1, 2024
This sweet lady was the mother of a dear friend; I was so happy to receive a hug from her on Pioneer Day this year in Melbourne. My deepest sympathy to Pat, Martha & Lois & the entire Gillihan/Blankenship families.
Brittnee Donaldson
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Sending you all so many positive thoughts and prayers!
Janice Conyers
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Sorry for you loss. Love you all.
Delories Brown
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Have fond memories of this lady.