Betty Rhea Blankenship's Obituary
BLANKENSHIP, BETTY RHEA was born March 22, 1935 in Hunt County, Texas, and passed away July 17, 2013 in Waxahachie, Texas. She was the youngest child of F.W. Teel and Lila Brookshire Teel. Betty was raised on the farm, but after graduation from Wolfe City High School in the Class of 1953 she was excited to move to the big city of Dallas. She worked several years for Procter and Gamble where she met her soul mate and the love of her life, Earl J. Rhea. They were married several years before their “miracle” baby, Timothy Earl Rhea, was born. Tim was the light of their lives and passed away much too soon in 1988. Betty and Earl were married 35 years before his passing in 1996. After Earl died Betty was married to Tom Blankenship over ten years and they enjoyed square and round dancing and traveling. Although Betty suffered several tragedies in her life, she faced them with strength and courage and was such a joy to be around. She was a faithful friend and always had a beautiful smile and a twinkle in her eyes. Her love and concern for others was genuine. She was a wonderful cook and loved to host family gatherings and holiday functions. Betty adored her Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Cowboys. She loved to put on her “game shirt” and get ready for the big game, and even stay up late if necessary. Betty lived several years at The Chambrel in Garland where she had many beloved friends. She was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2013 and had recently moved to Buffalo Creek Assisted Living in Waxahachie, Texas. Although she was there only a short time, she quickly made several good friendships and was adored by the staff and caregivers. Betty was preceded in death by parents, F. W. Teel and Lila Teel, husband, Earl J. Rhea and son, Timothy Earl Rhea and step-son, Jeffrey Earl Rhea. She is survived by brothers, F. W. Teel, Jr. (Joanne) and James E. Teel (Oleta), grandchildren, Jeffrey Rhea Free (Karen), Daniel Rhea and Julie Ann Bean Rhea, several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday, July 19, 2013 at Restland Funeral Home. Service will be held Saturday, July 20, 2013 at 11:00 AM at New Liberty Baptist Church. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society, New Liberty Baptist Church, or the charity of your choice.
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