Norma Ruth Blankenbeker, 76, of Willow Hill

Norma Ruth Blankenbeker, 76, of Willow Hill went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday January 12, 2021 at home surrounded by her family.

She was born in Olney, IL on April 1, 1944 to Oscar Sherman Payne and Zelma G. Taylor. On January 2, 1966 she married the love of her life Winferd Blankenbeker, They had been married for 55 years.

Norma was a homemaker and farm wife. She was a member of The Pilgrim Holiness Church of Robinson, and the Flora High School Class of 1962. Norma was very active in the church. She acted as mission director for Pilgrim Holiness Church for several years as well as taught at the Allegheny Wesleyan Church School in Oblong. She was also a song leader at church. She was instrumental in the starting of the flower fund in the Ping Town area, and was well known for her “German Twist” Donuts. She also enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing and reading. She especially enjoyed the time she spent with her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband Winferd Blankenbeker, Willow Hill, IL; two daughters and sons-in-law Lora and Bruce Fink, Salem, IL, Sara and Steve Fitzmaurice, Willow Hill, IL; five grandchildren Jeremy, Nathan and Caleb Fink, Levi and Layna Fitzmaurice. She is also survived by a sister June Payne and special friend Mike Theroff, Flora, IL.

Preceding her in death were her parents.

Celebration of Norma’s life will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday January 17, 2021 at Pilgrim Holiness Church 10751 N. State Hwy. 1 Robinson, IL 62454. Burial will be in Miller Cemetery rural Jasper County. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until service time at the church. The family requests that in lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may take the form of a contribution to the Pilgrim Holiness Church Building Fund with envelopes available at the church or may be mailed to Pulliam Funeral Home P.O. Box 121 Oblong, IL 62449.

PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO COVID-19 MANDATES PASSED BY THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES WILL BE IN FORCE, AND IT IS REQUESTED THAT ALL ATTENDEES WEAR FACE COVERINGS.

Condolences and or memories may be sent to the family at www.pulliamfuneralhomes.com

Pulliam Funeral Home Oblong, IL is in charge of arrangements.