Iris Owen Blankenship, age 85, died Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at Margate Health and Rehab. She was born in Ashe County to Harvey Glee and Darrie McNeill Owen. She was the wife of the late Henry Blankenship and together they had 4 children. She dedicated much of her life to family and children. Early on, she loved and cared for foster children in her home and regularly volunteered through the school system to teach students with learning disabilities to read. She prided herself in helping others and teaching, whether it be her kids, nieces, nephews or neighbor children. She also loved working in the admissions department at Saint Agnes Hospital in Baltimore. After returning to Ashe County in 1977, she continued her service as a teacher's assistant, first at Nathan's Creek and then at Mtn. View Elementary until her retirement. After retirement, Iris delighted in spending more time with her family, and especially her grandchildren, many who stayed with her after school and during summer break. With love, in addition to academics, she taught them many life skills including cooking, sewing, crocheting, and gardening. Iris was an avid reader throughout her life until her sight would no longer allow. Second to the Bible, her favorite book was 'Gone with the Wind', which she read many times and had sections memorized. She recited poetry and composed what she called "silly rhymes and limericks" though they were much cleverer than that. She also loved to travel and enjoyed many road trips with family throughout the USA. Iris demonstrated knowledge and wisdom. She was a great support to her family and lived life with fortitude, strength and courage, and inspired others to live in the same way. Her loss will be deeply felt by those who loved her. Mrs. Blankenship was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Blankenship; four brothers, Arlin Owen, Eldon Owen, Dee Owen and Vernon Owen. She is survived by three sons, Lee Blankenship and wife, Debbie of Winterville, NC, Ron Blankenship and wife, Mary, of Wilkesboro and Kevin Blankenship and wife, Amy, of Kernersville; a daughter, Joye Graybeal and husband, Gary, of Crumpler; two brothers, Marvin Owen and wife, Carole, of Holly Springs, NC and Randy Owen, of Crumpler; two sisters, Evon Blankenship, of North Wilkesboro and Carrie McNeil of Fuquay-Varina, NC; two aunts, Kada McNeill and Jean Testerman; ten grandchildren, Heather Kern, Melissa Blankenship, Amber Stover and husband, Nathan, Alecia Blankenship, Ashley Eads and husband, Andrew, Ethan Graybeal, Adam Graybeal, Lucas Blankenship, Delta Blankenship and Lasca Blankenship; three great-grandchildren; Kiera Kern, Logan Kern and Jayden Eads; several nieces and nephews also survive. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2020 at 3:00pm at Boone Family Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ken Jones officiating. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.