Ms. Ruth Ann Blankenship, age 86, of Lexington, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Nashville, surrounded by her family.
Born on July 2, 1940, in Parsons, Tennessee, Ruth was the daughter of the late Lloyd and Ila Marshall Comer. She graduated from Parsons High School and later made Lexington her home in 1980. She retired following many years of dedicated service as a clerk with the United States Post Office.
Ruth was a faithful and active member of First Baptist Church in Lexington. She was known for her independent spirit, her feisty personality, and her wonderful sense of humor. She loved to laugh and embraced life with enthusiasm. Among her greatest joys were traveling, spending time at the beach with her toes in the sand, and simply being outdoors. Above all else, she treasured her family and adored every moment spent with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her two sons, Mark Smith and Tony Blankenship (Rebecca); one daughter, Cristi Greenway (Joey); one sister, Fran Yarbro; five grandchildren, Ashland Taylor (Greg), April Smith, Keaton Blankenship, Will Greenway, and Max Greenway; and one great-grandchild, Cora Ruth Taylor.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Comer, and her sister, Faye Renfroe.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026, in the chapel of Pafford Funeral Home in Lexington with interment to follow in Mt. Ararat Cemetery in Darden.
The family will receive friends at Pafford Funeral Home on Sunday from 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m. and again on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service at 2:00 p.m.
Ruth will be remembered for her strength, resilience, joyful laughter, and the deep love she shared with her family and friends. Her memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
