Sept.
30, 1955 - Jan. 19, 2010SOUTH BEND - Chris L. (Esberg) Blankenbaker, 54, passed away unexpectedly in her home on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2010. She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Michael E. Blankenbaker; brother-in-law Steve Blankenbaker, and wife, Carole; sister-in-law, Michelle Vittorie, and husband, Joe; mother-in-law, Leona Donovan, and husband, Ray; and aunt, Adrien Esberg. Chris was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Charlotte Esberg. In her early years, Chris was a camper, then a counselor at Camp Eberhart on Corey Lake, MI. She was a Clay High School graduate ('72) and attended the University of Miami for two years and Indiana University, Bloomington for two years. She enjoyed having a cottage on Corey Lake and was an avid water skier, and was known for her love and devotion to her dogs throughout her life. Chris had a heart of gold and wore her emotions on her sleeve, and will be dearly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing her. A gathering to celebrate Chris' life will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, January 22nd, in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.