Ms. Mary Rushton Blanton

October 10, 1917 - July 8, 2017

Mary Rushton Blanton, born October 10, 1917 in Norphlet, Arkansas, died peacefully at her home in Blytheville, Arkansas on July 8, 2017, at 99, with her daughter, Michaela Strausberg and niece, Teresa Purcell by her side. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Fay and Ethel Gillespie Rushton, her husband of 50 years, Archie Lee Blanton; two sisters, Roma Johnson and Ester Lois Cawthorn, and one brother William Fay Rushton Jr. Mary began her 45 year nursing career by substituting herself to fill a position originally awarded to her sister, Roma, in the nursing program at Warner Brown Hospital. She was the school nurse at Harding College in the early 40's. Desiring to further her knowledge, education, and career, she attended a certification program at the Mayo Clinic, and later earned her CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) at Baylor Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Mary is survived by her daughter, Michaela D. Strausberg of Blytheville, Arkansas and sons, Michael M. Blanton (Anita Turrentine) of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Kevin O. Blanton (Kate) of Olive Branch, Mississippi. Also survived by her grandchildren; Samual Scott Beard (Evelyn) of Livermore, California, William Todd Beard of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Leslie Jean Felts (Neil) of Winfield, Kansas, Brocha Tamara Evans (Michael) of Monroe, Ohio, Rachel Danyette Carson (Chris) of Sydney, Australia, Erik Blanton of Dallas, Texas, Alex Blanton of Springdale, Arkansas, Brenden Patrick Blanton of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Ryan Winfield Blanton of Roanoke, Virginia. She also has 9 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Mary was a member of the Church of Christ at 1208 West Main Street in Blytheville, Arkansas. Memorial services will be held in Fayetteville, Arkansas with internment at Fayetteville National Cemetery with her husband, Archie Blanton. Services to be announced.