Leann Sue Blankenship

Leann Sue Blankenship, lovingly known by so many as Aunt Leann or Nan, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. She fought hard and with incredible strength until the very end.

Born on February 24, 1971, to Lee and Dolly Evans, Leann married her husband, Aaron, on June 3, 1989. Together, they built a family and a life filled with memories, laughter, and love.

Becoming a mom to Brittany and Aaron John “AJ” was one of the greatest joys of Leann’s life. From the moment they came into her world, her children became the center of it. She loved watching them grow, cheering them on, making memories with them, and being the mom they could always count on. Motherhood brought out so much of who Leann was: fiercely loving, fiercely protective, playful, and always ready to make her kids laugh. Her home and her heart were places where her children always belonged.

Leann’s greatest love was her family. She was a devoted wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt, and the kind of person who made life more fun simply by being in the room. She was the wild one, the one who never cared too much about looking silly, and the one who would get down on the floor and roll around with the kids just to make them laugh. She would do just about anything for a good laugh, and she had a way of turning ordinary moments into memories people would never forget.

She especially loved babies and children and had a natural ability to meet them right where they were. Whether she was playing on the floor, making a ridiculous face, getting into some kind of mischief, or simply enjoying watching them grow, the kids in her life knew Leann was always ready to have some fun. Becoming a grandmother brought her another special kind of joy, and she treasured the time she had with her grandson, Mikey.

Leann is survived by her husband, Aaron; her daughter, Brittany; her son, Aaron John “AJ”; her grandson, Mikey; her son-in-law, Steven Gedney; her brother Pete (Elaine) Evans; her brother George Evans; her sister Teresa (Derald) Wooten; her brother Loren (Sarah) Evans; numerous nieces and nephews; and a whole crew of amazing friends and in-laws.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Dolly Evans, and her big brother, Chuck.

Outside of her family, Leann loved her dog, Mia, gardening, and all the little things that made home feel like home. But more than anything, she loved being surrounded by the people she cared about.

To be loved by Leann was to have someone who would make you laugh, make a memory, and probably do something completely unexpected along the way. She was Aunt Leann. She was Nan. She was Mom. And to the people who knew her, there was only one her.

Her battle with cancer is over, and she passed peacefully, surrounded by the love that meant so much to her. While she will be deeply missed, the laughter, stories, and memories she gave her family will live on for generations.

Leann was one of a kind, and she will never be forgotten. A celebration of life will be held on October 25, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at First Christian Church’s fellowship hall. Location: 432 Ferry Street, Albany, OR 97321. All are welcome to come and share their memories of Leann.