Kathleen I. "Kathy" Blank

– Kathleen Irene Blank, 72, passed away Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, surrounded by her loving family at Community Medical Center.

Kathy was born Feb. 16, 1944, to Myrtle Irene Smith and Walter Anderson. She grew up in Michigan with her six siblings. It was there she met the love of her life, Carl Blank Sr. Together they started a family and had a daughter, Kimberly Hackman (Blank), followed by sons Carl Blank Jr. twins Donald Blank and Ronald Blank. Kathy was very strong enduring the loss of their son Ronald three days after birth.

Kathy and Carl moved their family to Montana in 1978 and built a wonderful life here. They enjoyed spending their time fishing, camping, going to "The Jack" for special events back road drives and being surrounded by family.

Kathy enjoyed cooking and having big family gatherings. Kathy was a loving wife and mother and took pride in her family. Kathy enjoyed being busy and always had a project going – sewing, puzzles, scrapbooking were some of her favorites. She also enjoyed going to bingo with her siblings, garage sales and traveling. This past December she was able to go to Hawaii with Kim and Brett, then in July to Arizona with Amber, Landon and Mckenna.

Kathy and Carl were brought much joy and love from their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was that love from her family and her dog Oliver that got her through the loss of her husband Carl. Kathy had a sense of humor and could help brighten anyone’s day. She always saw the positive in every situation and every person.

Kathy was preceded in death by her mother Myrtle, father Walter, husband Carl Sr., son Ronald, and sister Carol Van Meter.

Kathy is survived by daughter Kimberly Hackman (Brett); son Carl Blank Jr. (Deanna); son Don Blank (Jen); her grandchildren, Tiffany, Amber Irene, Brandon, Ashley, Ryan, Jenna, Brady, Cody Austin and Stephanie; great-grandchildren, Michael, Serenity McKenna, Landon, Beaudin and Mason; sisters, Donna Collins (Frank) and Joan Cote (Gary); and brothers, Ray (Yvette), Fred and Buddy.

We would like to also give a special thanks to Amber for her extra love and attention to Mom during her recent health issues.

There will be a celebration of life at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Franklin Park. Please join us in celebrating Mom’s life.