Published: November 14, 2009 01:21 am      

Virginia 'Blanche' Blackburn

Feb. 12, 1930 - Nov. 12, 2009

Virginia “Blanche” Blackburn, 79, Miami County, rural Kokomo, entered the gates of Heaven and into the arms of our Savior at 11:40 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009, in St. Vincent Seaton Speciality Hospital, Indianapolis.

She was born Feb. 12, 1930, in Rector, Ark., daughter of Roy and Gladys (Easton) Cagle. On Aug. 26, 1948, she married Everett L. Blackburn, who passed away April 6, 2001.

Blanche graduated from Clay Township High School in Miami County in 1948. She was an active member of Bennett’s Switch United Methodist Church where she so enjoyed the fellowship of her church family and very special friends. She was a devoted and loving wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma who treasured her family and wonderful times spent together. Christmas was one of her most precious times, as she surrounded family with touches of her talents and memorable traditions. Throughout her lifetime she enjoyed hobbies that included sewing, quilting, crocheting, and baking. She also spent endless hours in her beautiful flower beds, and canning vegetables from her garden. Vacations with family were exceptional times together. She especially cherished the leisurely hours walking the beaches of Florida shelling with husband Everett.

Surviving are her three sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Brenda Blackburn, Noblesville, Roger and Rhonda Blackburn, Peru, Rich and Theresa Blackburn, Kokomo; three grandsons, Ryan and Amy Blackburn, Grandville, Mich., Scott and Katie Blackburn, Maderia, Ohio, and Chris and Charity Blackburn, Noblesville; two granddaughters, Amy and Nick Flesher, Jenison, Mich., and Melissa and Matt Simpson, Zionsville; four great-grandchildren, R.J., Cora, Griffin, and Cooper Blackburn. Also surviving are one brother, Doyle and Nancy Cagle, Kokomo; three sisters, Wilma Manning, Denver, Jenny Miller, Denver, Pat and Charlie McCarty, Bunker Hill; along with many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her beloved husband Everett.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Monday at Allen Funeral Home, 136 S. Elm St., Bunker Hill, with her pastor Norm Snyder officiating. Burial is at Galveston Cemetery. Family and friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology and Child Life, 100 Michigan St. NE MC 004, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, in honor of her great-grandchild undergoing treatment there.