CLEARWATER: Sandra “Sandy” Blankenship, 75, of Clearwater, died Thursday, June 20, 2024
at her home.
I was born on January 15, 1949 in Puyallup, Washington. I started kindergarten in Lusk,
Wyoming then moved to Riggins, Idaho in 1956 where I started 1st grade into my 8th grade year.

For a time, we lived at Pittsburgh Landing on the Snake River. I had to board out in town to go
to school. During my 8th grade year, we moved to Kamiah, Idaho. I later dropped out of school
and joined the Job Corps and was sent to Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Then later returned to
Kamiah.

I had two children: Dwane in 1969 and Valerie in 1971. I married Leroy on April 1, 1972 and he
adopted the children.

I learned to sew on a Treadle sewing machine when living on the Snake River. I took up
counted cross stitch and had projects in the Idaho County Fair most every year. I also did cake
decorating. Later, my good friend Jerrie Bishop introduced me to quilting. My favorite pastime is
machine embroidery. I have made many quilt labels for Quilts of Valor and many friends.

I was a waitress for many years and drove school bus around 30 years at Kooskia. I also
worked at Clearwater Forest Industries for 15 years. I was an EMT with Kooskia for 25 years
and their secretary and treasurer for many years.

We moved to Clearwater in 2010 where I enjoyed watching the wildlife. All the elk, deer, turkeys,
birds and raising chickens. I always had a cat or two. We always had a garden, and I canned
fruits and vegetables, made jams and jellies.

I want to thank the staff at Syringa Clinics and Hospice, St. Joe’s Oncology and Radiology for
my care.

At my request, cremation has taken place and I wish to have no services. Arrangements are
under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Send condolences to the family
at blackmerfuneralhome.com.

If you would like to donate to my memory; ICARE Inc., 2134 Canyon Creek Road, Orofino, ID
83544, Syringa Hospice, 607 West Main Street, Grangeville, Idaho 83530 or a charity of your
choice.

To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Sandra Blankenship hosted by Blackmer Funeral Home.