Kelly Ruth Lakey

On Thursday, July 9th, Kelly Ruth Chaney Blankenbeckler Lakey, age 88, was escorted by angels to Heaven where there is no more pain or suffering, and she was reunited with so many people that she loved throughout her life here on Earth. Her first love was her father, Leonard D. Chaney of High Point, N.C. who was taken from her way too soon when she was only 21 years old. Her mother, Anne Liske Chaney Riddick, lived in Trinity, N.C. and was blessed to be cared for by her daughter, Kelly, until she died. Kelly had 2 brothers, James (Waugie) Riddick of Kernersville, N.C. and Johnny Riddick of Australia.

Kelly met and fell in love with Neil Blankenbeckler (deceased), and they married in 1945. They were blessed with a quiver of children: Larry Blankenbeckler of Winston-Salem, N.C.; Glenda Nixon (husband: Charles) of State Road, N.C.; Dena Stroud (husband: Steve) of Asheville, N.C.; and, Sherry McKinney (husband: Kent) of Jamestown, N.C.

And her blessings were multiplied with grandchildren: Larry’s children: David, Nicole, Jessica, and Kaylin; Glenda’s children: Jennifer and Christina; Dena’s children: Stacy and Heather; and, Sherry’s children: Sydney and Jake. And, to that were added 21 great grandchildren. Almost all of the family was able to visit with her in the weeks prior to her passing.

In latter life, Kelly was married to Roy Lakey (deceased) of Lexington and loved his daughter Lisa as her own. Kelly devoted her time to many personal interests including: sewing, floral design (she was a florist for many years), cross stitch, crocheting and reading. We are blessed to have some beautiful treasures that she left to grace our lives. Over the course of Kelly’s life, she read thousands of books and recently mentioned that she read the Bible cover-to-cover 3 times. Kelly also loved dogs and her favorite was her precious dachshund, Ginger.

The family wishes to thank all of the wonderful staff at Bermuda Commons in Advance, N.C. that cared for our mom/grandmom during her final 3 months. Everyone was so caring and kind to her.

Prior to moving to Bermuda Commons, Kelly lived at Creekside Terrace in Winston-Salem where she made many friends and lived happily. Special thanks to all her children that cared for her, but especially to Larry Blankenbeckler who faithfully carried her to many doctors appointments, had lunch with her, took her shopping and watched the entertainers with her at Creekside. Larry was a devoted and loving son, and we all say, “Well done!”

Kelly’s celebration of life service will be on Saturday, July 18th at 2:00 at Davis Funerals and Cremations Chapel in High Point at 976 Phillips Avenue. The service will be followed by a time of visitation. Rick Troutman of Westover Church will lead the service and Dan Grassi of Westover Church will provide worship music.

Flowers are welcome as Kelly had a special love of flowers. In lieu of flowers, please send a contribution to Red Dog Farm (Guilford County), 5803 Bur-Mil Club Road, Greensboro, NC 27410, an animal rescue organization. Online condolences may be made at davisfuneralsandcremations.com