Karen Florence Blankenship

Karen Florence Blankenship (Palmatier) died Sunday, November 13, 2016, in her home in Norco, California at the age of 70 after a long battle with cancer. Karen was born September 30, 1946 in Dunkirk, New York. She graduated from Fredonia State and pursued her dream of becoming an educator. She loved teaching, and continued to do so even after moving to California. It was there she met and married the love of her life, Harold Leonard Blankenship. Together they enjoyed traveling, gardening, bowling, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills. Karen retired from education with over 40 years of teaching success and many wonderful memories. She was loyal to family and friends. She had a soft spot in her heart for all animals. She was a fun-loving aunt who said her nieces and nephews were the joys of her life. Karen is survived by her siblings Loretta (Terry) Hemink and Arthur (Mary Jane) Palmatier, step-daughter Hazel Paula (David) Sims, grandchildren Tristin Sims and Jorie Sims, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Linda Palmatier, her sister, Anne Shirley, and her husband Harold Leonard Blankenship. A celebration of life is scheduled for Monday, November 28th at Thomas Miller Mortuary in Corona, California from 2-4 pm. A graveside service is scheduled at Riverside National Cemetery on Tuesday, November 29th at 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital and/or Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center. In honor of Karens love for all things colorful and fun, we request that guests wear bright colors in celebration of her life. Visitation Location Not Available Monday 11/28, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Service Location Not Available Monday 11/28, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Riverside National Cemetery Staging Area #4 Tuesday 11/29, 9:30 am Cemetery Riverside National Cemetery Staging Area #4 Thursday 1/1