Una Kay Larson Blankenship of McPherson, Kansas passed away peacefully, February 11, 2026, in the presence of family. She was born February 3, 1941 in McPherson to the late Elmer Erick and Amy Ruth Marcella (Ledell) Larson. Una was the first child born into this family. She was married to Donald Ray Blankenship on April 9, 1961 at Trinity Lutheran Church, McPherson, Kansas. Una was a lifelong Lutheran, being baptized and confirmed at Trinity.
Una Kay attended Hilton Grade School and then the consolidated, Sunny Slope Grade School. Una graduated from McPherson High School in 1959. It was during her high school years that she met, dated and eventually married the love of her life, Don. Una worked as a secretary at Strouse’s and Trinity Lutheran Church before they started their family. The couple was blessed with two children, Jeffery Scott and Kenneth Gene. Besides being an attentive mother to the boys, she spent years being Don’s secretary, planner, and dispatcher during his working years in the oil business. To get away from Don’s job demands, they took up camping, a recreational activity they thoroughly enjoyed. In the last few years, she volunteered at Apartment 6 at the McPherson Opera House. She was a spirited and opinionated woman plus a bit persnickety, but listened intently and respected others. She enjoyed beautiful things and this taste was expressed in her home. She was proud of her Swedish roots and really took pleasure in family gatherings and entertaining on Sunday game nights.
Una was a loving and devoted wife of sixty-four years, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear relative and friend to many. She was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws, Gus and Esther Blankenship, and infant brother-in-law. She is survived by her husband; sons Jeff and Ken (fiancé Jane); brother Richard (Deana); brother Robert (Jolene); and sister Janet (Richard). She had two grandsons, Christopher (Katie) and Connor (Beth); six great-grandsons, Brayden, Kelley, Craigg, Nathen, Archie and Viggo; and one great-great-grandson, Malachi.
Visitation will be Monday, February 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Stockham Family Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, February 17, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Peter Rehwaldt officiating. Burial will follow in McPherson Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor’s choice in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.