Juanita E. Dotson Blankenship, 82, of Springfield, MO passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2013 in St. Louis, MO. She was born April 15, 1931 in Reuter, Missouri to Carl and Hazel Hodges Dotson. Juanita was a retired schoolteacher, and worked in the Springfield Public School system. She served her community as a senior volunteer, former AARP president, and was a friend to all. Juanita is survived by her beloved husband Dean Blankenship; loving son, Greg (Mary) Blankenship; cherished grandchildren, Emily Blankenship, Nathan Schweigert, Maggie (Shane) Stamps, and Matt (Mandi) Schweigert; great-grandchildren, Hayden, Mia, Gavin, and Ava. Visitation will be Sunday, April 28, 2013 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and funeral services will be Monday, April 29, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rivermonte Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Southwest Missouri Humane Society, 3161 West Norton Road, Springfield, Missouri 65803.