Mary "Kate" Catherine Blank (Lammers)

Mary Catherine “Kate” Blank, beloved mother and grandmother, 94, of Independence Missouri passed away at home on April 30th, 2017.
Funeral services will be held at Speaks Suburban Chapel at 18020 E. 39th Street, Independence, Missouri on Friday, May 5th with visitation at 1:00, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00pm
Kate was born May 20th, 1922 to Henry Lammers & Viola Carlson Lammers in St. Paul, Minnesota. She spent her growing up years in St. Joseph, Missouri and later settled in Independence, Missouri.
She had a zest for life and lived each day to the fullest, and was a woman of many talents. Kate was an avid gardener who grew beautiful roses and many other plants as well.
She appreciated the many opportunities she had over the years to travel to many different countries, yet her favorite destination was their summer cabin on Gunflint Lake in the Northwoods of Minnesota.
Kate was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who found her greatest joy in her family. She was a fabulous cook and loved hosting the family holiday meals. She hand-knitted over 36 Christmas stockings for each family member, most recently for her great grandbabies.
Outside of her contributions to her family, Kate was also involved in the Independence Junior Service League for over 65 years, contributing her talents and countless service hours to help enrich the community. She served as that organizations president from 1960-1961.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ted Blank and sister, Betty Schwab.
She is survived by her sons Bob Helling of Great Bend, KS, Tad Blank & his wife Kathy, of Boise, ID, her daughter Kathy Shilt & husband Jim.
She leaves eight grandchildren: Megan Scanlon & husband Matt; Ashley Blattner & husband Trevor; Emily Perry & husband Michael; Thad Blank & wife Maya; Michelle Blank & husband Alex ; Bridget Long & husband David; Leigh Ann Hyche; and Brittany Sellers. She also leaves fourteen wonderful great grandchildren.
She is also survived by her brother Henry Lammers & his wife, Shirley of Overland Park, KS and a brother-in-law, Richard Schwab, of Marco Island, FL.
Grandma Kate, as she was affectionately called, positively impacted many people over the years and left a great legacy of love to her children and grandchildren. She will always be remembered fondly by the many people she blessed, through her actions and kind deeds.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Junior Service League, c/o Community Trust Fund, 3122 S. Chrysler, Independence, Missouri 64055, Attn: Treasurer.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)