Phyllis Jean Blanton, 68, of Shelby, Ohio, passed away on September 1, 2026. She was born on June 26, 1958, to Hade Blanton and Dorothy (Tackett) Blanton.

Phyllis had a truly loving heart and spent her life caring for others. Her hospitality was unlike any other-her door, her table, and her heart were always open. She welcomed her children’s friends as if they were her own and made certain that no one who entered her home ever left hungry. Whether someone needed a meal, a place to feel safe, or simply someone who cared, Phyllis was there.

Her caring nature was also evident in the devoted care she provided to longtime family friend John O. Gushard, affectionately known as “Sonny.” Caring for others was not simply something Phyllis did; it was an important part of who she was.

She shared a special bond with Danny Lee McClain Sr., whom she considered not only her husband, but also her best friend and the love of her life. Although their marriage eventually ended and she returned to her family name of Blanton, Phyllis never chose to marry again.

Music was also part of Phyllis’s life and family history. When she was younger, she sang with members of the Blanton family. She occasionally performed with them again in later years, carrying forward a family musical tradition that continued for nearly three generations.

Phyllis loved animals, especially horses, and held a particularly special place in her heart for her beloved dog, Pogo. He was more than a pet to her-he was her “baby boy.” His passing in 2025 left an emptiness that only those who witnessed their bond could fully understand.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Allen Boggs, Kimberly Dawn Blanton, and Danny Lee McClain Jr.; her grandchildren, Kaiden Boggs, son of Allen and Stephanie Burkhart Thompson, and Presley Marie Doss and Desiree Doss, daughters of Kimberly; and her great-granddaughter, Charolette, daughter of Kaiden and Sydney; and two sisters, Shirley Sutton and Sandy (Blanton) Spurgeon as well as numerous several nieces, nephews, other relatives and close friends.

She is also remembered by her extended family and the many friends whom she loved and treated as family throughout her life.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Hade and Dorothy Blanton, seven brothers, Vernon, Bob, Chuck, Thomas, Harold, Gary & Michael Blanton, her beloved Pogo; and several nephews and other relatives.

Phyllis’s legacy will live on through every person she welcomed, fed, comforted, protected, and loved. Her family will remember her generous heart, her unmistakable kindness, and the way she made people feel that they always had a place where they belonged.

Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory in Shelby has been honored to assist the family with arrangements.

In place of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Richland County Humane Society at 3025 Park Ave W, Ontario, OH 44906.