September 12, 2013
Norma J. Blankenship
The Joplin Globe

COLUMBUS, Kan. — Norma Jean Hopkins Blankenship, 83, a retired teacher, passed away Monday, Sept. 9, 2013.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, Columbus.

~*~

Norma Jean Hopkins Blankenship
Posted: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 3:02 pm |Updated: 3:06 pm, Wed Sep 11, 2013.

Norma Jean Hopkins Blankenship, was born May 2, 1930, the daughter of Harris L and Ruth Dale (Painter) Hopkins. She was a life-long resident of Columbus, Kan. She attended school in Columbus and continued her education at KSTC, now PSU, the University of Wisconsin, Missouri University and the University of Michigan. 
Her working career began as an elementary teacher and librarian in Columbus, in 1949. She was also the Columbus Public Library head librarian from 1950-1954. Norma then began teaching in Baxter Springs Kan., USD 508 in 1954 until she retired in 2002. She also taught extension classes for Ft. Scott Community College and Labette Community College. She was also the local Coordinator for LCC. Norma was a consultant for Gubler Associates, the American Library Association. While at Baxter Springs she served as Librarian and Media specialist, grant writer, yearbook advisor, and she served on many committees during her tenure. She was fondly known as Mrs. B in Baxter Springs. She wrote book reviews and articles for professional periodicals and publisher catalogs. She also wrote two computer text books.
Professionally, Norma served on many local, state and national committees and councils too numerous to mention. Always civic minded, she was instrumental in bringing mental health services to eleven area counties and Area Agency on Aging to this area of Kansas, including writing the initial grants for Meals on Wheels, congregate meals and establishing Senior Citizen Centers in Columbus, Weir, Baxter Springs and Galena. Norma was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was a Sunday school teacher for many years; she was also active in the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and 4H with her children. 
Norma' s active life brought her recognition in many forms including the National Book Committee Award for Excellence, Outstanding Volunteer in Mental Health Services from Ozark Mental Health Center, Kansas Governor's Award for Outstanding work in Mental Health, Kansas Division of Area Agency on Aging Award for Outstanding Service, Presidential Recognition Award for Volunteer Services, Labette County Community College Recognition Award, Class of 1968 Teacher Recognition Award, Baxter Springs Chamber of Commerce Friend of Education Award, Senior Class Yearbook Dedication in 1964, 1976 and 2002, Baxter Springs Business and Professional Women's Woman of the Year Award, Baxter Springs Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year, Student Council Lifetime Achievement Award and Who's Who Among Outstanding Teachers of America. 
Norma is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Norman and one son, Stephen Dale Blankenship.

She is survived by her brother, Harris Hopkins, her sister, Jerry Hopkins, as well as her son, Matt Blankenship and Marcia Mattox of Oswego, her daughter, Ruthie Box and Steve; four grand children, Heather Wallis of Branson Mo., Brian Blankenship and Shelby of Columbus, Sarah Wolken and Shane of Scammon, and Danny Box of Columbus; three great grandchildren, Kenton Wallis of Forsyth Missouri, Jackson Wolken of Scammon and Remington Blankenship of Columbus.
Family graveside services were held Wednesday with Dennis Johnson officiating. The family expresses their gratitude to all who have extended their help, thoughts and prayers through Norma's lengthy illness. Condolences can be sent to www.bathnaylor.com. Burial arrangements were under the direction of the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Columbus.