Obituary

Kay was born on June 12, 1938, in Wright County, Iowa, to Rex and Ruth (Oswood) Blankenship. After graduating from Eagle Grove High School and Northern Iowa University, she taught in Iowa and Wisconsin and then 28 years in the Lee’s Summit R-7 school district. During that time, she received her master’s degree from Northeastern Oklahoma State.

Lee’s Summit became her adopted “hometown”. As part of the community, she served on various city commissions, committees, boards and bond levy campaigns plus 8 years on the city council. She also helped establish Lee’s Summit Youth Court and served on its Executive Board for many years.

Continuing her interest in you and education she volunteered at Lee’s Summit Elementary for almost 20 years.

She is survived by her sister Elaine Prior (Jerry), her nephew Michael Prior and his son Jake. Also, her brother-in-law CJ Ford (Dianne), 2 nephews Steve and Scott ford (Diane), and four great nieces and great nephews and great-great nephew and nieces.

Contributions in Kay’s memory may be made to Lee’s Summit Education Foundation or Nature Conservancy.