Katie Blankenbaker

Katie Lou Blankenbaker, age 93, of Pekin, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Meadow View in Salem. Born May 27, 1933, at Borden.

Katie was a wonderful cook who delighted in sharing. She loved animals, and her family was her greatest love.

She is survived by her daughters, Connie Blankenbaker of Salem and Amy Naugle of Salem; her sons, Torin (Leslie) Blankenbaker and Gene L. Blankenbaker Jr. (Kita) of Pekin; 14 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene L. Blankenbaker; her parents, Abe and Mildred (Kirtley) Hurst; her brothers, Lewis and Tony Hurst; her daughter, Melanie Morris; and her son, Dyson Blankenbaker.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home in Salem. Visitation will be held from noon until the time of service with Randy Albertson officiating with burial to follow at Daisy Hill Cemetery.

Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home was entrusted with funeral care.

www.hughestaylor.net