Diana L. Blankenship

Diana L. Blankenship, 82, a resident of New Castle passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025 at her home. She was born February 19, 1942 in New Castle to the late Lloyd and Hyacinth (Cain) Kern.

Diana was employed at the New Castle State Developmental Center for ten years. She then transferred to the Pendleton Correctional Facility where she retired in 2008 following another ten years of service. Diana was an avid reader and enjoyed watching all types of sports, especially NASCAR Races. More than anything, she loved being a grandma and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events.

Survivors include two daughters: Patricia “Tricia” (Allen) Guffey of New Castle and Teresa (David) Kashon of Indianapolis; a grandson whom she helped raise: Scott (Kendra) Blankenship of New Castle; grandchildren: Chad Blankenship of Knightstown, April Sexton (Jay Bailey) of Indianapolis and Ryan (Tyler) Dixon of Cambridge City; two step-grandchildren: Mandy Riggs and Angela Guffey, both of New Castle; great-grandchildren: Marisa Bailey, Elijah Blankenship, Nevaeh Bailey, Layla Bailey, Alexis Witted, Derek Amonett, Kalea DeWitt and Shalee Guffey; a special great great-grandson: Carson Dixon; siblings: Sheila Sidwell of Celina, TN, David (Susan) Kern of Burkesville, KY, Clarence (Linda) Kern of New Castle and Elaine Addison of New Castle; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister: Carolyn Sorrell and three brothers: Steve, Ronald and Randy Kern.

The family would like to say a special Thank You to the staff of Southern Care Hospice, especially Julie Archey and Lynne Bennett as well as special family friend Mary Hinton.

A celebration of Diana's Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. You may express condolences or share a memory of Diana at www.hinsey-brown.com.