Pedal the Cause

Lorraine Blankenship, 56, passed away on May 1, 2026, in Fenton, MO.

Lorraine was born on September 3, 1969 in Great Lakes, IL, to James Blankenship, an honorable US veteran, and Linda Blankenship. 

Lorraine graduated from Northwest High School in House Springs, MO, in 1987.  Then, she completed her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education & Psychology, with honors, in 1992 from Southwest Missouri State.  In 2000 she earned a Master's degree in Education, with a 4.0 GPA, from Lindenwood University while working full-time, serving pre-school children and their families.  During her 30+ year career, she began working as an early childhood program leader and later took on social work roles.  Her entire career was dedicated to serving young children and their families, especially those in need.  

Also known as "Ms. Lorraine" and "Aunt Raine," she had a passion for caring for children and their families.  She deeply loved her own family, countless friends, work family, the children she served and their families.  In her free time, she loved to hunt for treasures at estate sales and thrift stores and always searched for the perfect gifts for those she loved.  She also loved Kid Rock and spending her free time and hard earned money at the casino.

Both of Lorraine's parents had lengthy battles with cancer and received excellent care at Siteman Cancer Center.  James passed away in 2014 after a 6 year battle, and Linda continues to fight a 12 year battle after two occurrences of breast cancer, two partial mastectomies, and multiple rounds of radiation and chemotherapy.  She is pictured here with Lorraine at Siteman after ringing the bell after her last chemo treatment on March 12, 2026.  Lorraine's sister, Shelly, continues to advocate for cancer research by supporting Pedal the Cause for the 8th year in a row.  Shelly is a Pedal the Cause team co-captain for the MLC team, and Pedal the Cause is her passion.

Lorraine is survived by Linda Blankenship - mother, Shelly Cattoor - sister, Jason Cattoor - brother-in-law, Alex Cattoor - nephew, and Alayna Cattoor - niece.

Lorraine is preceded in death by James Blankenship - father, Allie Blankenship – grandmother, Theodore Blankenship - grandfather, Lucille Meyer - grandmother, and Edward Meyer – grandfather.

The service for Ms. Lorraine Blankenship will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Jay B. Smith Funeral Home in Fenton.  The visitation will also be Sunday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the same location.

Details regarding the final resting place of her cremains will be shared at a later date.

Lorraine’s favorite color is blue.  You are encouraged to wear blue in her memory on Sunday, May 17.

Memorial donations can be made in Lorraine's name to one of the following organizations:

Pedal the Cause

• 100% of your donations support local cancer research and will be matched by HBM Holdings and MLC
• Donate online by clicking the BLUE Donate button on this webpage
• Make checks payable to Pedal the Cause
• Write “In memory of Lorraine Blankenship” on the memo line and mail to:          
  • Pedal the Cause
  • PO Box 790372
  • St. Louis, MO 63179-0372

Urban League of Metropolitan St Louis Head Start Early Head Start

• Make checks payable to the organization named above
• Write “Grant # 07CH013416” on the memo line
• Mail to:              
  • Head Start Headquarters
  • Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc.
  • Attn: Erin Weekes
  • 2900 Pershall Road
  • Ferguson, MO 63136