Grethel Louise Blankenbeckler

Grethel Louise Blankenbeckler, of Salem, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on January 19, 2011. She was born on August 26, 1923 and was preceded in death by her husband, William "Bill" Blankenbeckler. Her surviving family includes her daughter, Sandra B. Lipes of Salem, VA; son, William L. Blankenbeckler, Jr. of Petersburg, WV; sister, Sona Belcher; grandchildren, Walter M. Lipes, Deborah Lipes White, Julie Lipes Shires, Sarah Blankenbeckler, and William Blankenbeckler; and 6 great-grandchildren, Brittany Lipes, Ashleigh White, Michael White, Morgan Shires, Grace Shires, and Ginny Shires. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 21, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A Witness to the Resurrection Service will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Salem Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Will Robinson will officiate. Interment will be held privately. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.johnmoakey.com. The Blankenbeckler family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441.