Tanyah Blanton

Tanyah Van Blanton, 61, of Ashland, quietly passed from this life to her eternal home with her sisters by her side on Friday, March 22, 2013, in Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital in Russell.

Tanyah was tragically injured 41a��2 years ago, but fought valiantly to enjoy the life she was given. She was a strong believer in God and served him most of her life. She attended Ashland public schools and enjoyed caring for the elderly. This she believed was her mission in life. Tanyah was an avid reader and loved singing about our Lord and Savior. She never missed an opportunity to share the blessings God had bestowed upon her life. Through all her pain and suffering, she never complained. She was a trooper and truly our hero.

Tanyah was born Dec. 26, 1951, to Raymond E. and Frances M. Blanton in Ashland. She was one of eight children and leaves behind three brothers, Ray W. (the late Margarett) Blanton, Mickey (Karen) Blanton and Terry (Cindy) Blanton; and four sisters, Sheila Hale, Marcia (PJ) Russell, Candace (James W.) Murphy and Trudy (Steve) James.

Tanyah was never married or had children of her own, but claimed her nieces and nephews as her children. She leaves behind five nephews, Christopher (Cindy) Hale, Scott Hale, Darrin (Julie) Russell, Todd (Candice) Russell and Jordan James; four nieces, Cheri (Greg) Gussler, Tracey Hall, Felicia (Jason) Steele and Paula (Chip) Jones; and 16 great-nieces and great-nephews.

Services celebrating her life will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 28, 2013, at Lazear Funeral Home in Ashland by Pastor Jimmy Morrison. Burial will be in Goldens Oaks Memorial Gardens in Ashland.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.