Mary Helen Blankinship

In loving memory … Mary Helen McEntire was born October 28, 1930, at her family’s farmhouse near Isabel, Kansas to Clifton and Mary Ethel McEntire. Following graduation from Isabel High School in 1948, Mary attended Fort Hays State College (now known as Fort Hays State University) for six months, earning a certificate to teach what was known at the time as “normal” school. After receiving her teaching certificate, she moved to live with a family with three children that lived south of Lake City, Kansas. She began teaching nearby in a one-room schoolhouse. Mary taught near Lake City for one year before moving to Corwin, Kansas to continue her teaching.

It was in Corwin that Mary met her husband, Linn Blankinship. Mary and Linn were married in Isabel, Kansas on June 15, 1952. Their first home was in Albuquerque, New Mexico where Linn was stationed while in the U.S. Air Force. They later moved to Emporia, Kansas where Linn finished his education and then to Wichita, Kansas. After moving to Wichita, Mary continued teaching part time and eventually returned to college to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Friends University in 1966. Mary taught kindergarten at Oatville Elementary where she also served as the school librarian until her retirement in 1993.

Mary’s interest in art was cultivated by her mother-in-law, Dorothy Maddox, who was an artist. Mary began, first, to oil paint with Dorothy. She later became interested in ceramics and working with clay molds. Mary eventually began China painting where she found her passion.

She spent her life developing and refining her technique. She traveled to China painting conventions across the United States, learning from artists from around the world. Her work has been published in national porcelain art journals and other publications. Mary combined her passion for art and teaching by offering China painting classes for adults in her home studio up until her passing at age 92.

Mary entered her work every summer in the Kansas State Fair. She encouraged other artists to enter their work, arranged a donation to the Kansas State Fair of cabinets for displaying painted China, and supported the arts in the Wichita community. In 2019, Governor Laura Kelly presented to Mary the Governor’s Tea Cup award at the Kansas State Fair for a Kansas themed teacup and saucer that Mary entered into the competition. The piece remains on display in the Governor’s mansion in Topeka, Kansas. Over the years, Mary has won many blue ribbons and Best of Show awards from the Kansas State Fair for her China painting. Mary is a past president of the Wichita Chapter of the Flying Saucers Club, and at the time of her death, was serving as the Club’s treasurer. Mary was a talented artist who loved to share art with others. She passed on her passion for art to her youngest son, Ken, who is a professional Graphic Designer.

Mary was a member of the United Methodist Women at the Mount Olivet United Methodist Church. She participated in other women’s groups and was an active volunteer in her church. She was a Scout mom and served as a supportive volunteer for her children’s various church, school, and sports activities. One of the most memorable occasions was when she and Linn volunteered to transport a group of Boy Scouts in their motorhome to Philmont Scout Ranch for a two-week backpacking trek in New Mexico.

In June 2022, Linn and Mary celebrated 70 years of marriage with family and friends at a reception at their home. They spent the early years of their retirement traveling in their RV, attending Winnebago rallies and China painting conventions, camping with their camping club, and enjoying time with their grandchildren.

Mary went to be with the Lord on August 9, 2023. Family was very important to Mary. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Lucille (Gene) Cusick; brother and sister-in-law, Clifton (Lavina) McEntire; and her beloved husband, Linn. She is survived by son, Gary (Janet); daughter, Jan (Lee) Looney; and son, Ken (Heather), all of Wichita, Kansas. Mary Helen leaves five grandchildren: Jon (Alicia), Cherie (Danny), Brynn (James), Ian (Alma), and Eli.

Mary has seven great grandchildren, one great, great grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 7901 W. 21st N, Wichita, Kansas 67205.

A visitation for Mary will be held Monday, August 14, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209. A viewing will occur Tuesday, August 15, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 7901 W. 21st St., Wichita, Kansas 67205. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 7901 W. 21st N., Wichita, KS 67205. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 1:30 PM at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209.