Sept. 23, 1927 – July 10, 2016
Jean Blackwell, 88, of Sweet Home died at home July 10, 2016.
She was born Sept. 23, 1927 in Holley to Ira and Mildred (Fruit) Van Epps.
On June 21, 1947 she married Orie Lee Blackwell. She had seven children and took in 27 foster children altogether. She was a great mother.
Mrs. Blackwell enjoyed playing pinochle, embroidering and all holidays – especially Christmas. She loved spending time with her family.
She is survived by sons Bob and daughter-in-law Carol Blackwell of Brownsville, Ron and daughter-in-law Beth Blackwell, Mike and daughter-in-law Paula Reynolds all of Sweet Home, and Eric and daughter-in-law Brandy Blackwell of Lebanon; daughters Beverly and son-in-law Larry Farnham of Lorane, Bonnie and son-in-law James Dodge, and Stephanie Arnold, all of Sweet Home; 16 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; sister Ruth Sumstine of Lebanon; brother Carl and sister-in-law Shirley VanEpps of Lebanon; sisters-in-law Rozena Nixon, Frances and husband Jim Davis, Darla VanEpps, Marilyn VanEpps; and brother-in-law Ray Gates.
Mrs. Blackwell was preceded in death by her husband, Orie Lee Blackwell; mother and father Ira and Mildred Van Epps; granddaughters Cynthia Blacketer and Alexandria Blackwell; brothers Ralph, Elmer, Glen and Lyle VanEpps, and Albert VanEpps (who was Mrs. Blackwell’s brother) and his wife Jessie VanEpps (who was Orie Blackwell’s sister); and sister Iris Gates.
A graveside service is planned for 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, at Union Cemetery in Crawfordsville. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.