Claire M. Blackburn

Claire M. Blackburn, age 77, of Richmond, Kansas, passed away Monday, August 31, 2020, at Menorah Medical Center. Family will meet with friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, September 4, 2020, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 5, 2020, at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Williamsburg, Kansas. Claire was born February 11, 1943, at Somerville, Massachusetts, the daughter of Dorothy May (Clemens) DeFond and Wilfred J. Daley, Jr. She was raised in Somerville and lived in Baltimore, Maryland and Petersburg, Alaska. In 1980, Claire moved to Richmond, Kansas. Claire was united in marriage to Arthur D. Blackburn November 19, 1963, at Seabrook, New Hampshire. They were happily married for nearly 57 years and had four children. She was a devoted lifelong homemaker. Claire also worked as a medication aide at Richmond Nursing Home in the early 1980’s and at the south Dairy Queen from 1986 to 1989. She was a member of the Princeton Christian Church. Claire lived for her family and friends and always looked forward to time spent together. She enjoyed collecting elephants and playing Bingo at VFW, Eagles, and the Richmond Community Building. Going to the Richmond Senior Center, taking bus trips, and going to the dinner theater were always fun for Claire. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother, and granddaughter, Cassandra Blackburn. Survivors include her husband of the home; four children, Kenneth Blackburn of Wichita, Arthur E. ‘Bud’ Blackburn of Richmond, Sharon Blackburn (Robert Garrett) of Garnett, and Ricky D. Blackburn of New Mexico; five grandchildren, Kristen M. (Justin) Sanders of Overbrook, Jessica (Tylor) Wyatt of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Zane Blackburn of Wichita, Brittney Stanturf of Iola, and Kaitlyn Blackburn of Wichita; and four great grandchildren. The family suggests memorial contributions to Princeton Christian Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.