Stephanie Lynell (Mounts) Blankenship

Stephanie Lynell Blankenship, 54, of Hanover, West Virginia, received the ultimate healing on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family.

Stephanie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend whose kindness, strength, and generosity touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She dedicated her life to those she loved and was the heart of her home, always putting others before herself. Stephanie was a remarkable woman who measured her success by the successes of her family. She would proudly tell anyone that her greatest accomplishments in life were her children. She loved being a mother and grandmother and cherished those roles above all else. She also truly loved being a nurse. She formed lasting connections with her patients and cared for them in ways that went beyond her profession. She took great pride in her nursing skills and in the relationships she built, many of which grew into lifelong friendships.

She is survived by her loving husband, Audie Blankenship of Hanover; her children, Melva Brianna Blankenship of Hanover and Ashley (Jarrett) Cline of Wharncliffe, West Virginia; her grandchildren, Reagan Davis and Kaybrie Cline of Wharncliffe, and Noah Blankenship of Hanover; sister: Benita Williamson; brother: Kevin Bartram; one very special niece she loved as a daughter, Kelly (JC) Backus; her faithful companion, Marley, who stole her heart and her bed from day one; as well as a host of beloved family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kayleena Lounsbury; her granddaughter, Macie Lounsbury; her mother, Melva Mounts; her father, Everett Monroe Mounts; her sisters, Jowana Kennedy and Belinda “Jeanie” Angle; and her other loyal companion Little Boy, who was by her side through good times and bad.

Throughout her life, Stephanie faced more tragedies than most would think fair. She endured more than many could imagine and met every challenge with courage, faith, and grace. Even during her illness, she continued to demonstrate remarkable strength and unwavering love for her family. Her resilience, compassion, and selflessness will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though our hearts are broken by her loss, we find comfort in knowing that she is finally at peace. She has received the ultimate healing and is, no doubt, walking the streets of gold with her daughter and granddaughter. Her love, guidance, and memory will remain with us always.

Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Mounts Funeral Home in Gilbert, WV on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Michael Browning officiating. Friends may gather with the family from 12:00 till 1:00 p.m.  Stephanie will be laid to rest beside her daughter and granddaughter at Justice Memorial Gardens in Justice, West Virginia.

Stephanie will be carried to her resting place by pallbearers: Audie Blankenship, Jarrett Cline, J.C. Backus, Michael Hall Sr., Michael Hall Jr., Brandon Blankenship, Bradley Blankenship, and Joshua Mounts.  Honorary pallbearers will be Homer Blankenship Sr., Home Blankenship Jr., Matthew Huffman, Kevin Bartram, and Jimmy Tiller.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to local long-term care facilities in support of residents who are too often forgotten. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and care teams at the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital and Pikeville Medical Center’s Lawson Cancer Center for the compassionate care they provided throughout her illness.

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