Blanche Nelson Castle, age 88, of Thealka, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center in Prestonsburg.

Blanche was born on December 4, 1937, in Johnson County, KY, to the late Vencil and Georgia Darcus Golden Nelson. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Bobby F. Castle, two sisters, one brother, and one son-in-law.

She is survived by three daughters: Wilma Castle Storey of Thealka, Thelma Castle of Thealka, and Tammie Castle (John W.) Pelphrey of Stambaugh; two granddaughters: Sandra Castle (James Matthew) Goble of Blue River, Tabitha N. (Bradley) Curnutte of Auxier; three great-grandsons: Andrew Preston Goble of Blue River, Dylan Michael and Nathaniel Dean Curnutte of Auxier; one brother: Vencil Nelson Jr. of Lexington; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Blanche was retired from Paintsville City Head Start. She was a member of the Thealka Free Will Baptist Church and a member of Pleasant Valley Rebekah Lodge for 59 years.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 11 A.M. Thursday, September 10, 2026, in the chapel of the Jones-Preston Funeral Home, with Gary Blair officiating. Interment to follow in the Castle Family Cemetery at Thealka. Friends may visit at the Jones-Preston Funeral Home from 1 P.M. until 8 P.M. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, and on Thursday from 9 A.M. until the time of the funeral service at 11 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Thealka Free Will Baptist Church Building Fund by contacting the Jones-Preston Funeral Home at 606-789-3501.

Jones-Preston Funeral Home is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with all final arrangements for Mrs. Blanche N. Castle.