Obituary of Patricia M. Blankenship

Patricia M. Blankenship (91) lifelong resident of St. Maries, ID passed away at Valley Vista Care Center on January 13, 2025.  She was born in St. Maries, ID to Pete and Laura (Rieger) Torchie on May 28, 1933.  Pat grew up in St. Maries and graduated from St. Maries High School with the class of 1951. 

Following high school, Pat stayed in St. Maries and went to work for Penney’s clothing store.  She married Doyle Gibson in 1956, and the couple had 3 boys.  She stayed home to take care of them and their home.  In 1970 Pat and Doyle divorced, but she remarried in 1981 to Dan Blankenship. Pat went to work for the St. Maries School District at Heyburn Elementary as a Science Aide Teacher in 1970.  She later went on to become the school’s Librarian and served as a crossing guard.  The teaching staff and all of the students loved and adored her, and she was considered an all-time favorite.  She also drove for St. Maries Bus Lines for a few years in the summers.  Pat retired in 2008 after a rewarding and impressive 27 years with the school district. 

Pat loved life, people, and enjoyed many hobbies.  She loved to crochet, camp, garden, can, bake, and put together puzzles.  Her children and grandchildren share many memories of baked goods and treasured crocheted gifts. The amazing grandmother she was, she passed down these traditions teaching them to her grandkids. 

Pat is survived by her children Michael (Nikki) Gibson of Olympia, WA and Larry (Kari) Gibson of St. Maries, 6 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dan Blankenship, and her son Joe Gibson.  There will be a remembrance service at a later date for Pat.