Mary Lou Blankenship, 81, of Gap Mills, WV, passed away peacefully at the White Sulphur Springs Center on October 16, 2026. Mary Lou was born on August 11, 1945, in Waiteville, WV, the daughter of Marcus and Gladys Arthur.

Mary Lou is survived by her daughters Pamela McCurdy (Cully) and Jennifer Via (Kevin); her grandchildren, Carlie and Claire Via, and Garrett McCurdy (Laura); brothers, Richard (Joyce), Gene (Carol) and Samuel (Carolyn); and several loving nephews, nieces, and many of her wonderful Blankenship in-laws and their families.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband of 58 years, Alvin, and brothers Marcus Jr., Donnie and Frank.

After her graduation from Gap Mills High School, she spent time in coastal VA with her brothers, enjoying time with them and her nephews and niece, while Alvin, her high school sweetheart served our country in the Army overseas prior to their marriage. Mary Lou was a homemaker by choice. She was a devout Christian and proudly served many roles at Gap Mills United Methodist Church that included Sunday School teacher, member of the United Methodist Women’s Club, and serving as representative at their annual Conference. She readily made herself available to her church family and other neighbors to help with travel to doctor appointments or a “trip to the store”. She cherished time spent with her grandchildren who loved her dearly. She was an adoring role model for them, exemplifying love, sincerity and grace. She loved to fish with Alvin at Moncove Lake, and a rival would be hard to find that enjoyed a sing-along of “Country Roads” more than her after a Mountaineer victory! Her ability to remember the verses to Country Roads and her favorite gospel hymns as her memories left her and her time with us was nearing the end was a blessing to the family and true testament to her faith in God and love of the mountains and her home at Gap Mills.

The family would also like to thank the staff at the White Sulphur Springs Center for their loving and thorough care for Mary Lou during her time there.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Gap Mills United Methodist Church on Zenith Road with Pastor Gene Fullen officiating. Burial will follow at Carmel Cemetery at the same location.

Visitation is from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the Groves-Mann Funeral Home in Union WV.

Family members will serve as pallbearers.

Those wishing to send online condolences or would like to sign the online guestbook, please do so by visiting www.groves-mann.com. Arrangements by Groves-Mann Funeral Home, Union WV.