Elizabeth Blankinship, 89, entered eternal rest on the morning of January 12 at Midland Memorial Hospital. She was born in Stecker, Oklahoma in 1929 to Grover and Martha (Reiss) Smallwood. She was the oldest of five siblings, and as the first grandchild, was particularly adored by her German immigrant grandparents, Otto Reinhold Reiss and Elizabeth (Schramm) Reiss, for whom she was named. She spoke many times of the adults speaking in German when they didn't want the children to know what they were discussing. Elizabeth graduated from Broxton High School, and shortly thereafter, married Herbert Blankinship. In their early marriage, they lived in Anadarko, Oklahoma, where Herb worked in the oil fields, and Elizabeth reared their two children, Gary Don and Barbra. In 1956, Parker Drilling moved their family to Odessa, where Herb continued his career in the oil fields of West Texas. After another move with Parker Drilling to their Midland office in 1964, Elizabeth and Herb together opened the first Pizza Hut in Midland, and they continued as Pizza Hut franchisees until the sale of their stores in 1988. Elizabeth kept books and made payroll, going to the office daily until the last few years. She valued hard work, and could not abide laziness. In 2016, they moved from their longtime residence near Midland College to Manor Park. Most recently, they were both residents of Cowden Cottage, where they were beloved. You could most often find them enjoying time in front of the fireplace — even on a warm summer day!Elizabeth loved playing games, laughing, trips to their Ruidoso home, and Las Vegas where she played the slots – even winning a sizeable jackpot several years ago. Her favorite color was red, and it was hard to escape the red lipstick prints she loved planting on loved ones' cheeks. The color red even extended to her choice of wine. If you were among her favorites, you could expect a call from her on your birthday, singing the Happy Birthday song in a warbling off-key voice. She found that insanely funny!She was a member of First United Methodist Church and Petroleum Club Ladies Association. She, along with her husband, Herb, have been supporters of Midland College, Midland Memorial Hospital, Petroleum Museum, and Hillander School.Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 71+ years, Herb, and by her daughter, Barbra Grafa, and her favorite son-in-law, Trey of Midland, whom she loved like a son. “Mimi” is survived as well by her two granddaughters, Tiffany Grafa Meade and husband, Todd of Midland, and Courtney Grafa Kerr and husband, Andy of Ft. Worth. Five great-grandchildren survive her: Gunner Meade, Logan Meade, Addison Kerr, Carter Kerr, and Cooper Kerr. These fine young people absolutely lit up her life.She is pre-deceased by her son, Gary Don in 1966, two sisters, Ruth Brannam and Martha Jean Schenk, and one brother, Grover Smallwood, Jr.The family is so appreciative of the compassionate and loving care rendered by all the staff of Cowden Cottage. They are literally angels flying too close to the ground. If you would like to make a donation in Elizabeth’s memory, please consider Manor Park or First United Methodist Church of Midland.Steve Brooks will officiate memorial services on Friday, January 18, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of First United Methodist Church. A reception to visit with the family will follow in the church Atrium. A private family graveside will be held at Resthaven Memorial Park.\I am standing on the seashore. A ship spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the ocean. I stand watching her until she fades on the horizon, and someone at my side says, \She is gone.\ Gone where? The loss of sight is in me, not in her.Just at the moment when someone says, \She is gone,\ there are others who are watching her coming. Other voices take up the glad shout, \Here she comes!\ That is dying.– Henry Scott HollandArrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
