Lenora Mae Blaylock

Lenora Mae Blaylock, age 100, formerly of Mankato, Kansas, passed away September 12th, 2019 in Coppell, Texas.  Lenora was born February 6th, 1919 on a homestead near Abbott, Colorado, the daughter of Steve and Maggie Wilkins.

She graduated from Montrose Rural High School in May of 1936 and began a teaching career that Fall in a one room school south of Jewell, Kansas.  She taught two years then went to Colorado State Teacher’s College in Greeley, Colorado to further her education.

On March 14th, 1940 she married the love of her life, Wayne Blaylock.  To this union were born two children, Sharon Lynn and Arden Lyle.

She returned to teaching in the fall of 1946 as a Kindergarten teacher in the Mankato school district.  She spent a total of 34 years teaching various grade levels and in future years enjoyed recalling the joyful memories of the children she loved so dearly.   She was a prolific writer of poetry and letters, loved to play games and was an avid Nintendo Wii bowler.

Lenora and Wayne left the Mankato area in August of 1989 due to his failing health and to be near family in the El Paso, Texas area.  They would always appreciate the many close and caring friends in the Mankato area.

Lenora’s daughter, Sharon Lynn Lynch, passed away unexpectedly just hours earlier on the same day.  Those  left behind to mourn the passing of both - Lenora’s son and Sharon’s brother - Arden Blaylock, and his wife - Dotsie; Sharon’s sons - Kent Lynch and family, and Kelly Lynch and family; great-granddaughter - Brandy Lynch; grandson - Brad Blaylock; and granddaughter - Christina (Blaylock) Ponteri; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Her life was blessed with longevity and fulfilled with happiness of family, friends and former students.

A celebration of life service for Lenora Mae Blaylock was Saturday, September 21, 2019, at 10:30 a.m., at the Melby Mortuary Chapel, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Jim Rice officiating.  Mrs. Pat Grout was the organist, and Mr. Kenny Rhea was the soloist.  The hymns were – “In the Garden,” and “How Great Thou Art.”  Casket bearers were – Kenny Rhea, Mahlon McDill, David Warne, Roger Rightmeier, Kevin Phillips, and Phillp Menhusen.  Interment was in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas.  Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.