Ruth L. Blankenship

On August 5, 2024, at 3:55 am Ruth L Blankenship, loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend found her place in heaven at the age of 73, with family by her side, after a very long health battle. The Lord told her "Job well done! Good and faithful servant." She was welcomed into this world on September 7, 1950 in Appleton, Wisconsin, second child to William (Bill) and Althea Combes. She married the love of her life William (Jim) Blankenship on November 26, 1977 in Oshkosh, WI. After finishing high school as the first graduating class of Appleton East and attended St Louis Christian College. Ruth spent twenty years running an in-home day care. She loved everyone of her day care kids as her own. She went on to be a bus aide at Kobussen bus for years. Until she moved to St Vincent de Paul in Oshkosh which was her joy up to her retirement. She also volunteered for Special Olympics Oshkosh for many years which was a passion her and her late husband both shared because of their love for their special son. Her bliss in life was her grandchildren which gave her so much joy and happiness. Ruth is survived by her two children; a son, Matthew (Blanky) Blankenship and daughter, Abagail (Abby) Laabs; two grandchildren who were her whole world; Damian Laabs and Thea Laabs; brothers and sisters, Lee (Sharon) Combes, Jean (Joe) Morien, Marian Pyatskowit, Laura (Jeffrey) Wire, Frank (Lisa) Combes, sister in laws, Ellen Radke, Diane Nick and Joann Nick. Ruth will be dearly missed by her nieces and nephews along with her adopted nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by husband William (Jim) Blankenship, by father and mother, William (Bill) and Althea Combes, mother in law, Juanita Nick, sister, Joey Lynn Combes, brother in laws, Robert (Jay) Pyatskowit, step brother in law, Colle Nick, Wendall Nick and Doug Nick, nephews, Christopher Combes, Adam Brown, great nephew, Layne Brown, great niece, Shannon Babcock. Visitation for Ruth will be held on Friday August 9, 2024 at 3 pm to 6 pm and again Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 10 am before funeral services at 11 am River Valley Church 1331 High Avenue in Oshkosh with Pastor Dave Barber officiating. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be set up in Ruth's name for both CURE.org or amyloidosis.org. Ruth's family would like to extend a special Thank You to the Oshkosh Fire department, Aurora Nurse and doctor and the staff at Edenbrook for the wonderful care Ruth was given.

Ruth L. Blankenship

September 7, 1950 - August 5, 2024

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