Angela “Anji” Marie Blankenship, a vibrant spirit who touched the lives of many, unexpectedly passed away at home on January 23, 2025, at the age of 53. Born on July 7, 1971, in Dayton, Ohio, Anji became a cherished member of the New Boston and Scioto County community, where she dedicated over twenty years of her life to serving as an Independent Provider for the Scioto County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Her compassionate nature and unwavering commitment to those she cared for left an indelible mark on the hearts of countless individuals and families.
Anji was known for her boundless love of life. She found joy in the simplest of pleasures-whether it was the thrill of motorcycle riding, visiting drag shows, the laughter shared during entertaining, or the serenity of swimming in the water. Her adventurous spirit beckoned her to the beach with friends and family, where she could soak in the sun and revel in the beauty of the outdoors creating her beautiful “Umbrella” memories.
Anji’s heart was as generous as it was passionate; she often spent her time cooking and feeding the homeless, believing in the power of kindness and connection. Her knack for buying and selling treasures online highlighted her unique sense of adventure and flair for finding hidden gems. A proud owner of a Jeep Renegade, she loved taking her beloved puppy, Ryder, along on her journeys, with the two of them inseparable companions ready for life’s next adventure.
She is survived by her loving mother, Kathy (Nee Blankenship) Toops of New Boston, who will forever cherish the memories of her spirited daughter, her uncle and aunt, Ron and Kea Blankenship of Union, OH, grandma, Esther Blankenship of Greenville, OH, and children: Chrystian Cantrell of Chillicothe and Jacob Cantrell of Portsmouth, and five grandchildren. Anji’s passing leaves a profound void in the lives of her family, friends, and all whom she served with grace.
Anji was preceded in death by her grandparents, James and Barbara Blankenship, great grandparents: Ruben and Irene Brock, as well as, Lonnie and Myrtle Blankenship and very close friend Jade Stone.
A heartfelt celebration of Anji’s life will be held on February 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Cedar Street Church of Christ Christian Union, 4205 Cedar Street, New Boston, OH 45662. Friends and family will come together to honor her legacy, share stories, and remember the remarkable, passionate woman she was.
Another Celebration of her life will be held in Englewood, Ohio please check back for a date and location.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made directly to FC Daehler Mortuary, 915 Ninth Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662, (740) 353-4146 or online at www.fcdaehlermortuary.com where you may also leave a special memory of Anji or condolences for her family.
In this time of sorrow, let us reflect on Anji’s bright spirit, her love for adventure, her compassion for others, and the joy she brought into our lives. May her memory continue to inspire us to live boldly and love deeply, just as she did.
