Roberta D. Blankenship
COLUMBIANA — Roberta D. Blankenship, affectionately known as “Birdie” to her friends and family, passed away at age 77 on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, at St. Mary’s Alzheimer’s Center in Columbiana.
She was born in Salem, Ohio, on Sept. 19, 1948, to the late Russell and Marie (Lesch) Thomas.
Roberta was a 1966 graduate of Salem High School. She later enrolled in nursing school and attended Kent State University in Salem. Birdie earned a bachelor’s degree which began her long and fulfilling career as a registered nurse and nursing instructor. She worked at Salem Regional Medical Center for over 30 years. While working and raising a family, she also made time to instruct nursing classes at Hannah Mullins Nursing School.
Roberta was a proud and caring mother, grandmother, and friend. While her three sons were growing up, she was always happily in attendance at their sporting events. As her family grew bigger, she enjoyed spending time with her four grandchildren. Even just seeing pictures of them brought her immense joy. Roberta shared lots of laughs and created many lasting memories with her friends in the “McDonalds Group.”
She was a devoted Christian and loved giving back to her community. She sang in the church choir, occasionally played the handbells, and served as a camp counselor for nearly 20 years. Although Roberta was a busy woman — between her career in nursing, teaching, raising a family, attending church, and being a caring friend — she still carved out time to sit down and enjoy her soap operas.
Roberta is preceded in death by her parents, her son, Chad Blankenship, and her two brothers, David and Robert Thomas.
She leaves behind two sons, John (Kristen) Blankenship and Eric Blankenship. She will be dearly missed by her four grandchildren, Bradee, Asher, Greyson, and Aubree. Roberta will also be remembered by her friends, her community, and all the people she was able to help over the years.
Friends and family will be received from 5 to 5:45 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at Stark Memorial Funeral Home located at 1014 E. State St., Salem, Ohio. There will be a ceremony in honor of Roberta’s career as a nurse starting at 5:45 p.m. Immediately following, there will be a memorial service commencing at 6 p.m. at the funeral home.
Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
To view Roberta’s obituary or send condolences, visit www.starkmemorial.com.
11/5/25