Leola Blackburn, 92, passed away peacefully at home in Erie on Friday, April 18, 2025. She had been in declining health.
She was born on Oct. 14, 1932, in Beaumont to Charles M. and Osa O. (Gaston) Watkins.
Leola married John Edward Blackburn on Dec. 1, 1950. He passed away on April 29, 2018. They enjoyed 68 years of marriage and raised nine children together.
Leola worked at Prest Lumber Co. in Erie and Labette Health (formerly Labette County Medical Center) in Parsons, where she eventually retired. A devoted Christian, she attended Erie Baptist Church and cherished her favorite hymns, “Old Rugged Cross” and “In the Garden.” Leola loved her pets, gardening, especially tending to her roses and cuddling babies.
She is survived by three sons, Charles, John and Jeff; five daughters, Mary, Judy, Terry, Ima and Linda; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John “Ed”; a brother, Keith “Bud”; a sister, Mary Baker; and a son, Larry.
Cremation has taken place and a private family memorial is planned at Oakwood Cemetery in Parsons.
