Lida M. Blankenship's Obituary
Lida M. Blankenship, loving mother, sister and friend passed peacefully on November 15, 2013. She was born in Sumner, WA on March 11, 1929 to Lloyd and Alma Hatch.
Lida was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 18 years, Charles Davis, her husband of 12 years, D.A. Blankenship, and siblings Lloyd, Art, Raymond, Jerry, Helen and Margaret.
She is survived by her five children; Karren (Larry) Franckowiak, Sharron (Chet) Chidester, Chuck (Jodi) Davis, Theresa Pernula, Chris (Steve) Smyres, 10 grandchildren; Dawn (Jimmy) Nickens, Richard (Shelly) Chidester, Shilo Long, Kevin Chidester, Keith Chidester-Brent, Darren Chidester, Marnell (Mike) Davis, Brian (Alona) Pernula, Cassie (Brad) Valkenaar, Kelsey (Michael) Bussman, 13 great-grandchildren, Loren Long, Kaci Chidester, Andrew and Emily Davis, Tyler and Drew Brent-Chidester, Jessica Chidester, Sheena and Scott Chidester, Sean and Natalie Bussman, Paige Valkenaar, and Camille Pernula; one brother, Ken (Arlene) Hatch, four sisters, Betty Torrey, Norma Martin, Doreen (Jack) Royse and Patty Hatch as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Lida grew up on Eli Hill as one of 12 children. She was afflicted with polio at a young age and as a result spent time in an iron lung and many many months in darkness. She was the first person to have polio in Pierce County and at that time the Elks Club initiated the Purple Bubble Ball fundraiser in her honor, which still continues to this day. She often admitted to being quite spoiled during that time of her life and some would say that being spoiled carried over into adulthood. But spoiled or not, she was a great homemaker and the best wife and mother there ever was. She always put her family first. As if maintaining the home wasn’t enough, she also made time to be the leader for her son’s Cub Scout troop and her daughters’ Blue Bird and Campfire Girls’ troops.
She taught her children the value of a dollar at an early age. Her and her sister (with kids in tow) picked blackberries in the summer time. Most were long days in the berry fields with the exception of a time or two when Lida would spot a snake and take off running. That pretty much put an end to that day of picking.
Also on a light note, many of her nieces and nephews will smile at the memory of her making them “sugar bread”. That was Auntie Lida!
Lida was rightfully proud of being recognized for her success as a demonstrator for Sarah Coventry Jewelry. She had one piece of jewelry that she cherished from those days - it was called the Aurora Borealis. Not too many years ago she took that piece of jewelry and had bracelets and earrings made for each of her daughters and granddaughters.
Lida always enjoyed playing cards with family and friends; canasta, pinochle, rummy, cribbage – you name it she played it. She also was known to have played yahtzee to the wee hours of the morning with special people in her life. She liked playing bingo too, but she really derived a good deal of pleasure in gambling. She so liked the trips she took to Reno and Las Vegas. She had many good memories of those trips and entertaining stories to tell. To visit Lida at home you would often find her playing her hand held electronic poker game while watching T.V. And if she wasn’t doing that, she would be doing her word search puzzles. She said it kept her mind active.
When she lived in Westport, Lida enjoyed entertaining company that would come to fish, dig clams, or just spend time at the beach. They always had a good time no matter what they did.
Lida collected owls. She probably had around 150 – 200 of them. She had owls made of everything from the ash from Mt. St. Helens to crystal and ceramic to cuddly stuffed creatures.
Lida had a flair for fashion. She had jewelry to match every outfit, usually a coat or jacket to match, numerous handbags and too many pairs of shoes to count.
Her Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren brought her much joy. From the oldest to the youngest and each one in between, they always brightened her day – right up to her final days.
She endured a lot of pain in her life, both physically and emotionally. It spanned her entire life, from polio as a child to several broken bones and illnesses at different times, to her many years of suffering with arthritis. She lost two devoted husbands and still continued to be the pillar of the family.
There is no doubt about it Lida was the most selfless person there was. She was always available to help others no matter what. She was never judgmental and was always there to listen with an open mind and a smile on her face.
She will always be forever in our hearts!
What’s your fondest memory of Lida?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lida?
Share a story where Lida's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lida you’ll never forget.
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