Obituary of Mary Ann Blanton

Maryann Gasho Blanton Passed away peacefully at her home in Shelton, WA surrounded by her family on December 9, 2019 She was born April 22, 1933 in Trotters, North Dakota to Monroe Gasho and Clara Belle Senff Gasho Erickson. She moved to Washington with her family in 1934. She grew up on Orcas Island and graduated from Nelly S. Melton High School in 1951. In the summertime she worked at a resort, The Madrona Inn, in Eastsound, WA. After graduation she had a job at the telephone company working in the directory department until she married John G. Blanton on January 19, 1952 and moved to Shelton. They raised five children; four daughters and one son. Over the years she was very involved in the community. She was a 4-H leader, a member of the women’s Nimrod Club Auxiliary and a master seamstress. She donated many hand-made crafts to various charities. Most of her patterns were made by her from newspaper. The sewing projects included doll clothes, her children’s clothes, wedding dresses, beautiful quilts and many more. The community benefited by her ability to alter just about anything. She also loved gardening and took pride in her huge, well-maintained yard. In 1964 John and Maryann purchased Skookum Bay Oyster Company, then four years later they started Blanton Oyster Company. She actively worked as an oyster shucker and bookkeeper until 1981. They were well known for their annual 4th of July party that was enjoyed by family, friends, and passerby’s who saw the party as they drove by on the freeway. The famous clam bake and barbeque, where all were welcome, ran from 1954-1990. Family time was spent playing games at her home. The activities included, pool, darts, pinball, dice, cards, and anything else that kept her large family entertained. She liked to travel a few times a year with family and friends to various places including Hawaii and Las Vegas. She is preceded in death by her husband, John G. Blanton and daughter Betty Garrison. She is survived by three daughters; Kathy Rowley, Donna Blanton, Linda Crume (Leonard), and one son; John H. Blanton (Jeanne); 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. There will be a private graveside service with immediate family. A celebration of life will take place at a later date