March 25, 1958 – August 5, 2026
Carrie Jo Blankenship, 68, of Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026. She was born on March 25, 1958, in Tacoma, Washington, and throughout her life she carried a quiet strength, a compassionate heart, and an unwavering independence that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Carrie was the kind of person whose kindness was often shown in simple, meaningful ways. She listened without judgment, offered comfort without being asked, and gave freely of herself to those she loved. She never sought recognition for the good she did; she simply believed in helping others whenever she could. Her resilience, patience, and gentle humor carried her through life’s challenges and brightened the lives of those around her.
Most recently, Carrie worked at McDonald’s in the back drive-thru, where her dependable nature and warm personality made a lasting impression on coworkers and customers alike. She believed in showing up, working hard, and doing whatever needed to be done.
Family was the center of Carrie’s world. She loved her daughters with all her heart and treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also shared a special bond with her mother, Vernastine, whose passing just weeks before left an immeasurable void in her heart. Carrie’s love extended beyond her immediate family to anyone who needed encouragement, acceptance, or simply a warm hug. She had an incredible gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved.
Those who knew Carrie knew she was strong-willed, fiercely independent, and yes, wonderfully stubborn. Once she made up her mind, there was little anyone could do to change it. Yet beneath that determination was a woman with an enormous heart who would gladly give someone her last dollar if it meant helping them through a difficult time.
Carrie found joy in life’s little treasures. She loved collecting small decorative boxes—especially the cute and unique ones—as well as pigs and flamingos. She enjoyed bedazzling almost anything she could, caring for her plants, and spending time with her beloved cat, Lily. These simple pleasures reflected the creativity, warmth, and appreciation she had for the beauty found in everyday life.
Carrie was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Vernastine White (November 13, 1936 – June 29, 2026).
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughters, Mystic Underwood and Dusty Michaels; her sons-in-law, Matthew Underwood and Jeremy Tayrien; her brothers, Giles Tryon and Kevin Tryon; her beloved cat, Lily; her grandchildren, Gage Tryon, Brenden Hagemaster, Makayla Byrd, Mykenzie Kramer, Samantha Tsouras, Kourtney Underwood, and Prestyn Michaels; eight cherished great-grandchildren; along with many extended family members and dear friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.
Although our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that Carrie is reunited with her beloved mother. Her legacy is one of unconditional love, quiet generosity, unwavering strength, and selfless compassion. She leaves behind lessons of kindness, resilience, and the importance of loving deeply without expecting anything in return.
Carrie will be profoundly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all whose lives she touched.
Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day—unseen, unheard, but always remembered.
"Celebration of Life" Wednesday, August 19, 2026 starting at 5:00 p.m. In the Barn at Life Mission Church 16111 South Lone Elm Rd. Olathe, Kansas
"Mom we will always remember you. You will never be forgotten"
