BLANKENSHIP, Loriene "Thelma"

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Thursday, April 9, 2009 Loriene “Thelma” Blankenship, 90, known as Nana to many, passed away peacefully after a long and event-filled life in Lake Havasu City. She was born Dec. 1, 1918, in Jeffersonville, Ind., to Melvin J. and Magdelene (Burns) Black Loriene lived most of her life in Santa Ana, Calif., before moving to Lake Havasu City 10 years ago. She was a loving and generous woman who touched the world with her smile and creative talents. Loriene wrote countless letters and stories over the years to those in need and supported many animal shelters and cared for the homeless. She was honored by Orange County China Painters for her beautiful china art work and was recognized by Walt Disney for her creative design and her amazing writing skills. Her letters, stories, poems, hand-painted china and finger-print art will always be cherished memories of her. Loriene loved animals and believed in making a difference in the world, including supporting such values as “In God We Trust” on our currency. Our Angel is survived by her daughter, Colleen (Byron) Suiter, of Lake Havasu City; son, Jackie Lee (Terri) Scholl, of Prairieville, La; grandchildren, Cindy (Larry) O’Drobinak, of Chicago, Ill., Gary (Bonnie) Suiter, of Parker Dam, Calif., Kelly (Michael) Burns, and Tarlee (Jeff) Yoeman, of Bartlesville, Okla., Cheryl (Terry) Smith, of N.C.; great-grandchildren, Bailey O’Drobinak, of Chicago, Ill., Summer (Jake) Stutler, of Kingman, Brittney (Mason) Villanueva, of Bartlesville, Okla., Jami Harpole, of Prairieville, La.; great great-grandchildren, Grace and Preston Stutler, of Kingman and Anica Villanueva, of Bartlesville, Okla. Condolences and thoughts can be made to her family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.