It is with much sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved Diane who entered the kingdom of Heaven on April 22, 2023. Diane Hanig Blankenship, 75, was born in Minnesota in 1948 to Arlene and Ken Hanig. She was the first of six daughters born into their family. When she was in grade school the family moved to Kalispell, Montana where her father was the manager of the Gambles franchise there. They later moved to Deer Lodge where her parents became the owners of the Skogmos store and she attended St. Mary’s Grade School. She graduated from Powell County High School in 1966 and later attended Montana Tech in Butte.
Following college she moved to Helena where she worked for the State of Montana and met the love of her life, Keith Blankenship. Together they made Helena their life-long home and were married for fifty-two years. They had two sons, Paul (of Kalispell) and David (of Helena) who blessed them with eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Diane was a gentle soul with many passions and much love to share. Among her passions was quilting. She was an avid and magnificent quilter, even operating a quilting shop for many years to help other people design, plan and finish their quilts. There is no telling how many quilts she made in her life time; we speculate the number to be in the hundreds. She was actively involved for many years with Toys-for-Tots and loved walking around the fairground ponds and watching the geese, ducks and swans. She enjoyed geo-caching and summer vacations at Swan Lake. She also had a great love of music, learning to play piano as a child, singing in the chorus and choir in high school, listening to her play lists daily and, more recently having ukelele jam sessions with her sisters. Although, often it seemed there was more laughter than music coming out of those sessions. The “sisterhood” won’t be the same without her.
Most everyone that met Diane found her to be delightful, compassionate, and fun. She was proud of her sons and loved her grandchildren passionately. She always welcomed newcomers to her family and made them feel at ease. She especially loved family gatherings and often times she demonstrated her “sassy” sense of humor by throwing out a “zinger” here and there.
Being raised in the Catholic faith Diane and Keith were long time members of the St. Helena Cathedral Parish where their sons also received their first sacraments. God has now called her home and she will be missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Keith; sons Paul and David (Autumn); sisters Doreen Ellis, Patty King (Tom McNeal), Paula Hanig (Joe Schendel), Susan Wolcott (Jack Wolcott); sister-in-law Diane Marble; grandchildren, Kati, Desiree, Alyssa, Krista, Patrick, Airk, Elora, Robert, Cadence, Corbyn and Kieran; nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arlene and Ken, sister Donna Stevens Doney and brothers-in-law Chuck Stevens, Craig King and Leo Marble.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at St. Helena Cathedral with a reception to follow downstairs in the church social center. Interment will be at a later date at the Fort Harrison VA Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to any veteran’s support organization, or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Special thanks are extended to all the nurses, CNA’s and staff of Compassus Hospice. They are all living angels.
Doug and Deb Kralicek says
So sorry to hear of Diane’s passing. Have been neighbors for many years. Lots of visits over the fence. Will always treasure the quilted runner she gave me.
Our thoughts and prayers to Keith and family.
Eternal rest grant unto her, Oh Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her. Amen.
Scott St. Clair says
Keith and Family, my thoughts are with you. The little bit I knew Diane is all that was necessary to know she was a wonderful person. Scott
Victoria Hampson says
Keith, Paul, David & Families,
So very sorry to hear about Diane’s passing. She was an incredible person. She was a blast to be around. She will be missed. Please know you are all in our Prayers.
Mike & Vicki Hampson
Don and Donna Paul says
Don and I met Diane and Keith through the Toys for Tots program. Diane was known as the “Candy Land Queen” as she encouraged families to add that game to their gift giving. It was a very popular item to give away and she had a winsome way of making sure games were part of family time. She always had a smile. We missed having her help out the last few years. May she enjoy watching all of us from the top of Gum Drop Mountain.
Totsie Young Pursey says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Diane and I went to high school together and she was always so friendly and kind. What a wonderful blessing she must have been to all of your family. God bless and bring you peace and joyful remembrance.
Kara Moon-Ranney says
Keith and family. Prayers for you all as you travel this road. She will be missed. Find solace in your memories!
Elaine (Smith) Myles says
To The Sisterhood,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember being around all you sisters a few times. I can still hear all of your laughter. The same, but different. Like music. May your memories live in your hearts and conversations until you are all together again. With prayers and sincere sympathy.