Celest Marcella Blankenship, 101, of Hillsboro, died Sunday morning, Nov. 16, 2025, in her home.
A Mass of Christian Burial is planned at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Hillsboro on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 12:00 noon. Fr. Daniel Willenborg will preside. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. Blankenship was born on Aug. 30, 1924, in Coffeen, a daughter to Joseph and Theresa Limper. She graduated from Hillsboro High School with the class of 1941. She and Sidney Blankenship were married on Feb. 10, 1950, in Union City, TN. He preceded her in death on Sept. 28, 1976.
Mrs. Blankenship was employed 37 years by Hillsboro Glass. She enjoyed gardening; she had a garden in Challacombe House Park and was a member of the Montgomery County Farm Bureau.
Mrs. Blankenship is survived by her three sons, Dennis (Donni Sorrel) Michael of Tallahassee, FL, Sidney (Annette) Blankenship of Hillsboro and, Mark (Jan) Blankenship of Rantoul; two daughters, Amy (Warren) Kennedy of Greenville and Anita (Larry) Merriman of Ramsey; 12 grandchildren, Tammy (Jim) Coleman, Tracy (John) Walker, Kelly Michael, Kara (Kevin Potter) Merriman, Cory (Emily) Merriman, Kurt (Angie) Merriman, Amanda (Ben) Cunningham, Andrea (Brad) Green, Anna (Brian) Limbaugh, Dana Blankenship, Wade (Brooke) Blankenship and Jeff (Morgan) Blankenship; 28 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Mrs. Blankenship was preceded in death by her daughter, Adelle Blankenship; brother, Fred Limper, who was killed in action during WWII at Iwo Jima; sisters, Myra Sherer and Lessie Otter; grandchildren, Kenneth Kennedy and Joseph Michael; and great-grandchildren, Ella and Emma Merriman.
The family asks that memorials be directed to the St. Agnes Catholic Church Building Fund. Hough-Dean in Hillsboro is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave condolences or light a virtual candle, please visit houghfuneralhome.com.
