Frankie Blankenship Banks

ASHEVILLE—Frankie Blankenship Banks, age 57, of 35 Cub Rd., was called home to live eternally with her Lord and Savior on April 30, 2010. Frankie was born December 24, 1952, in Buncombe County. Most important in Frankie's life were serving her Lord and taking care of her family and friends. She was a member of First Church of the Nazarene. Frankie was a daughter of the late Ella and Demps Blankenship. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Donald Slagle, and sister, Ethel Hensley. Surviving are her beloved family: husband, Richard Banks; daughter, April Michelle Runyon and husband Michael of Asheville; step-daughter, Michelle Banks Thompson and fiance Ron Wallin of Asheville; step-sons, Rick Banks and wife Heather of Raleigh, and Dana Shelton and wife Theresa of Alexander; sisters, Lillian Johnson and husband Anson of Weaverville, Esther Osteen of Hendersonville, Mary Proffitt of Alexander, Martha Franklin and husband Ken of Morganton, Pearl Smith and husband Roy of Morganton; brothers, Paul Blankenship and wife Alene of Weaverville, Jesse Blankenship and wife Susan of Hendersonville; grandchildren, Shelby Runyon, Ashley Ratcliffe and husband John, Harley Mitchell, Trevor Thompson, Richard and Kaylee Banks, and Aydan Shelton; great grandchildren, Tyler Rajanimi and Alexus Ratcliffe; special granddaughters, Alisha Runyon and Chelsea Solesbee. Her graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 2, 2010, at West Memorial Park, Weaverville, with Rev. James Stewart officiating, followed by a celebration of Frankie's life at 4:00 p.m. in First Church of Nazarene, Asheville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Nazarene Christian School, 385 Hazel Mill Rd., Asheville, NC 28806. West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, is assisting the family. www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com