Lillian R. Blankenship

Lillian met her husband, Elmer, in May of 1947 while she was a car hop at a local restaurant in Hammond, IN. They married six months later on October 18, 1947, which would become a 73-year marriage. It was love at first sight. They lived in Hessville, East Chicago, and Hammond, IN. Their daughter, Teri, was born in 1960 while they lived in Hammond, and in 1961 they moved to Indianapolis, IN.

Lillian’s greatest joy in life was her family. She loved being a mother to her daughter Teri, becoming a grandmother to her two granddaughters, Danielle and Rachel, and great-grandmother to her four great-grandsons, Tyaire, Ryan, Noah, and Parker. Lillian loved her family unconditionally with all her heart.

Lillian was a fantastic country cook who never used a recipe. She loved to read and was an avid Stephen King fan.

Lillian is survived by her daughter Teri Mallory (Blankenship); granddaughters Danielle Lange (Ken), and Rachel Mallory; great-grandsons Tyaire Jackson, Ryan Mallory, Noah Lange, and Parker Lange. Also surviving is Lillian’s sisters Sue and Judy; brothers Jerry and Frank; sister-in-law Ruth, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Lillian was preceded in death by her husband Elmer Blankenship, Jr., parents Roy Riddle, Sr., and Ina Karnes (Arnold, Riddle), sisters Gena, Barbara, Nancy, Deloris, and Fran; brothers Roy, Jr., Harry, Ed, and Billy Don.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.