Myrtle Viola Shipman died November 17, 2017 age 98, in Hampton Virginia.  She lived most of her life in the Asheville area of North Carolina and was the daughter of Lora and Culberson Maney.

Myrtle was preceded in death by husbands Ed Blankenship and Ora Shipman.  She is survived by daughter Marie Triplett (Dave), son John Blankenship, stepdaughters Brenda Heeg (Ed) and Phillis Earley (Bob), granddaughters Paula Schronce (Frank), Judith McCormick (Dr. Brian), Nancy Wroten (Brian), Pamela Edwards (Keith) and Teena Sims (Marvin).  She is also survived by twelve great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

A lifelong member of the Baptist Church and most recently a member of Mud Creek Baptist Church in Hendersonville, NC, Myrtle had a special way of making everyone she met feel her love for them.  Her face would light up with a beautiful smile and her voice would sing ohhh!  She was a Christian inspiration and prayer warrior.  She was a home maker dedicated to loving her children and grandchildren and a friend to all.

The family wants to thank Clara Blankenship and the residents of Parkside Commons Apartments for their friendship and help they gave Myrtle that allowed her to live independently until the age of 98.

A memorial service will be scheduled in March 2018.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meals on Wheels, 105 King Creek Boulevard, Hendersonville, NC 28792.