Visitation
Monday, October 31, 2016
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EDT
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Vicksburg Location
409 South Main Street
Vicksburg, MI 49097
(269) 649-1697
Driving Directions
Service
Monday, October 31, 2016
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Vicksburg Location
409 South Main Street
Vicksburg, MI 49097
(269) 649-1697
Driving Directions
Contributions
At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.
American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 22478
Oklahoma City, OK 73123
(800) 227-2345
Web Site
Flowers
Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.
Schafer's Flowers Inc.
3274 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(800) 760-7050
Driving Directions
Web Site
Heirloom Rose
407 S. Grand St.
Schoolcraft, MI 49087
(269) 679-3010
Driving Directions
Web Site
Life Story / Obituary
Well liked and easy to get along with, Sarah Blankenship never asked for much in life. With those she loved and good friends by her side, she was content in doing the many things she loved and enjoyed. A kind and caring woman, she was selfless in all ways, and her outgoing spirit endeared her to many. Sarah leaves much to be remembered through the many memories she leaves behind.
The decade of the 1960s ushered in an entirely new way of thinking within the culture of America. The Vietnam War was at the forefront, and young people were learning how to make their voices heard through demonstrations and sit-ins. Many found reprieve in the form of drive-in theaters, music of the day, and beloved television shows. It was during these changing times on a beautiful, spring day in Sturgis, Michigan when Dale and Bonnie (Davis) Gose welcomed the birth of their little girl, Sarah, born on May 23, 1962.
Sarah was raised in Vicksburg where she grew up alongside her three older siblings, Rick, Sandy, and Bob. Her father supported their family working at the local paper mill while her mother looked after their household and worked as a general laborer. Growing up with three older siblings was not always an easy thing for Sarah. As the youngest, she was endlessly teased by her older counterparts who often picked on her endlessly, telling her she was actually adopted! Even so, Sarah’s birth was a big surprise for her parents as her mother had previously had her tubes tied!
Having attended the Vicksburg area schools, Sarah was a fun and outgoing girl during her youth. She enjoyed the friendships of many as well as her love of horses. After graduating from Vicksburg High School in 1980, Sarah was soon married. From that union, she was delighted to become the proud and loving mother to her two children, Kimberly and Robert. Although her marriage did not last, Sarah was forever grateful for the blessing of her children.
Being a single parent was not an easy task for Sarah, yet love was not lost in Sarah's life. While in Mendon playing darts with some friends over 20 years, she met a handsome guy by the name of Steve Blankenship. As fate would have it, they reconnected around 2001, and deeply in love, they were happily married on November 30, 2002. Now a grandmother and due to the fact that her grandchildren lived a distance away, Sarah loved every opportunity to see them. Although cooking may not have been one of her strong points, Sarah added much to the lives around her.
Sarah loved her canine companions, especially her favorite, Cody. Whenever she had the chance she enjoyed going to the casinos and liked Firekeepers the most where she was known to have won a few dollars a time or two. As a collector of Precious Moments figurines, Sarah received many as gifts throughout the years, treasuring each and every one. Of all the holidays, Christmastime was Sarah’s most cherished time of year, especially when surrounded by the family she loved and adored. With her fun-loving nature, she loved dancing and having a good time. When it came to music, she was fond of country music, and she always loved the sounds of Garth Brooks.
The type of woman who would do anything for others never expecting anything in return, Sarah gave from the heart with a selfless demeanor. Through her caring and loving ways, the treasured memories she leaves behind will be a reminder of her unending love. Deeply missed, she will be forever remembered by those who knew and loved her best.
Sarah A. Blankenship, of Scotts passed away on Thursday, October 27, 2016, at the age of 54. She is survived by her husband, Steve; two children: Kimberly (Fred) Horein and Robert Kuempel, III, both of Ohio; five grandchildren. She is also survived by her mother, Bonnie Gose of Vicksburg; three siblings: Rick (Vonda) Gose of Luther, Sandy (Raymond) Smith of East Leroy, and Bob (Carol) Gose of Vicksburg. Sarah was preceded in death by her father, Dale Gose.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 31, 2016, 11:00 AM at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main Vicksburg (269-649-1697). A visitation with her family will be held one hour prior to the service starting at 10:00 AM. Burial to take place at Baird Cemetery. Please visit Sarah’s web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign her online guestbook and share a favorite memory and/or photo of her. For those who wish, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.