Ella Marie Blankenship of Dexter, Missouri, the daughter of the late Chester and Catherine Isabell (Putney) Cook was born in Geary, Indiana, on December 3, 1941, and passed from this life in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, on August 24, 2023, at the age of 81 years.

Ella lived in the Southeast Missouri area most of her life, and was of the Christian Faith.  Ella enjoyed cooking and baking and working as owner of Ella's Cafe in the Cottonbelt for numerous years. She had also cooked and served for many years prior to purchasing the restuarant when it was called Eastside Cafe. She enjoyed her work, word puzzles, speaking to everyone because she never met a stranger, but most importantly spending time with family and friends and spoiling grandchildren.

She is survived by five daughters, Rhonda (Randy) Manes of Sikeston, Missouri; Tammy Creg of Vanita, Oklahoma; Paula Sneed of Dexter, Missouri; Melissa (Marvin) Robinson of Poplar Bluf, Missouri; and Gwen Joyce of Marshfield, Missouri; two brothers, Jackie Cook of Sikeston, Missouri; and Jimmy Cook of Dexter, Missouri; one sister, Kay McEnaney of St. Charles, Missouri; nine grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; as well as a host of family and friends. 

Ella was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Tony Gene Blankenship; one brother, Gary Cook and one sister, Joyce Limbaugh.
     Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 2023,  from 11:00 a.m. untill 1:00 p.m at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Chapel In Dexter, Missouri, with funeral service to follow with Pastor Charles Robertson of Bloomfield officiating.
     Interment will follow at the Hagy Cemetery in Dexter, Missouri, with Watkins And Sons Funeral Service of Dexter in charge of arrangements.