http://www.blackburnvernalmortuary.com/

Blackburn Vernal Mortuary, 15 E 100 N, Vernal, UT (2025)

11/20/2025

Lloyd Walter Swain
April 28, 1938 — November 19, 2025
Vernal

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 11 am at the Vernal 1st Ward Chapel (475 W 100 S) with viewings Monday from 6:00- 8:00 PM at the Mortuary, and Tuesday 1 hr prior to services at the Chapel. Burial will be in the Rock Point Cemetery.

11/20/2025

Jack Searle
May 4, 1949 — November 15, 2025
Manila

Memorial Services wll be held Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 12 Noon at the Lindquist Mortuary 3408 S Washington Blvd, Ogden, Utah 84401

11/16/2025

Howard Jack Horrocks
June 25, 1941 — November 14, 2025
Lapoint

Howard Jack Horrocks of Lapoint, Utah passed away peacefully on 14 November 2025, surrounded by his family.

Howard was born on June 25, 1941, in Lapoint, Utah, to Ronald Taylor Horrocks and Merl Jenkins Horrocks. The second of eight children, he grew up surrounded by the love, noise, and companionship of four brothers and three sisters. Life on the family farm taught him early the value of hard work—milking cows before school, riding horses, and taking on whatever tasks the day required.

As a young boy, Howard was spirited, athletic, and full of energy. His childhood was rich with the simple joys of farm life and the deep bonds he shared with his siblings. He enjoyed playing marbles, basketball, football, and especially wrestling. He excelled as an athlete. He graduated from Union High school, his high school years were filled with teammates, determination, and deepening friendships.

On October 27, 1960, Howard married the love of his life, Karen Lamb, in the Salt Lake Temple, where they were sealed for time and all eternity. Together they raised five children: Ronald, DanNette, Richard, Ryan, and Desiree. They endured many trials, but their love, faith, and resilience always carried them through.

Howard held many jobs throughout his life, each one shaping his strong character and unwavering work ethic. His first job was timbering logs with Byrrell Lamb, they also traveled to California to buy baby calves. He worked for Great Lakes Timber, he ran a farm in Roosevelt, worked on oil rigs, and even laid brick for Maeser Elementary. Eventually, he purchased a farm in Lapoint, where he ran cattle and embraced the life of a farmer and rancher.

Howard adored his children and grandchildren with all his heart. He loved watching them in their sports, activities, and accomplishments, and he took great pride in each one of them. Howard’s love for horses extended beyond working them on the farm. He once ran in a horse race that took him from Heber to Roosevelt, Utah taking second place, demonstrating his skill, courage, and passion for riding. He also broke horses for $25 each, taking on even the stubborn and unpredictable ones. That passion brought its share of injuries—broken bones, separated shoulders, and once a near-fatal encounter when a stud horse bit his leg, threatening his life. Still, his love for good horses never faded; it was simply part of who he was.

Howard also enjoyed the quiet pleasures of life—watching westerns like Matt Dillon and Lonesome Dove, spending time with family. He was honest, kind, generous, and always willing to help anyone who needed it.

Howard never moved from the small town he loved. A true homebody, he never traveled much, preferring the peace, beauty, and familiarity of his hometown. He cherished the farmland, the serenity it brought, and the simple pleasures of daily life. His favorite thing to do was to watch the cows from his living room window—a source of pure joy for him. He loved looking after the cows, tending water, and watching the calves grow.

Howard’s life was marked by hardship, including a debilitating disease that he fought with remarkable strength for most of his life. He faced every challenge with determination and grit, never wanting to give up. His courage through years of suffering became one of the defining chapters of his life.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Howard served in many callings and especially loved working with the young men. His faith in the Savior was steady and sincere, guiding him throughout his life.

Words cannot fully express the trials he faced or the courage he carried. His strength, kindness, and unwavering love for his family will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Howard is survived by his wife of 65 years, Karen Horrocks; their children; DanNette (Randy) Smuin, Richard (Cathy) Horrocks, Ryan Horrocks, Desiree (Blake) Sutton. Daughter in-law Kathy Horrocks. 21 Grandchildren, 25 Great Grandchildren. Siblings: Keith Horrocks, Glenn (Pauline) Horrocks, Judy (Marc) Corfine, Lewis (Sherry) Horrocks, Bruce (Westona) Horrocks, and Becky (Lance) Hancock. In-laws; Thelma Shields, Richard (Candace) Lamb, Marjorie Lamb, and Clinton Nielson.

Preceded in death by his parents; Ronald and Merl Horrocks, son; Ronald Glen Horrocks, Sister: Marlene (Von) Swain; Father and Mother in-law Glendon and Thelma Lamb; In-laws; Taline Horrocks, Merlin Huber, Darlene (Don) Cox, LaNar (Irene) Lamb, Byrell (Penny) Lamb, Adele (Joe) Shields, Curtis Lamb, Jairus (Jewel) Lamb, Catherine Neilson, Mardean Murray Lane, Laynel Lamb, Gary Shields, Collene Lamb Pendleton, David Murray, and Joe Lane

A viewing will be held prior to the service Thursday 20 November 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the Lapoint LDS Chapel. The Funeral will follow the viewing at 11:00 a.m. Burial in the Lapoint Cemetery.

11/13/2025

Trisha Luck
September 22, 1964 — November 8, 2025
Vernal

Services are pending at this time for Trisha

11/12/2025

We want to thank all who have served, all that are serving
And a special thanks to our local Veterans who are so faithful
And willing to be at our Becken call to Honor our veterans with the Military Honors at their passing
From all of us

11/06/2025

Michael Steven Knibbe
September 26, 1948 — November 4, 2025
Vernal

Our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to Michael Stephen Knibbe, who passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 77 years young.

Michael’s life was defined by hard work, compassion, and an unwavering devotion to his family and the community he cherished. A true entrepreneur, he built a legacy through the ownership of several local businesses, including Home Entertainment Center and Video Movieland, both of which he founded from the ground up and later passed on to his sons.

Through his work, Michael brought people together, connecting them through stories, movies, and shared experiences. His creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit left an indelible mark on his family, his friends, and the community he loved.

In addition to owning several local businesses, Michael also proudly served with Search and Rescue, dedicating countless hours to helping other families in their times of need.

After retirement, he found great joy in piano tuning, using his sharp ear and generous heart to bring music and harmony into the homes of many.

Michael had a deep love for the outdoors—hunting, fishing, bird watching, gardening, and traveling brought him peace and adventure—but above all, he cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, whose love and laughter filled every room. His wisdom and kindness will continue to guide those he leaves behind.

Michael’s life was one of love for Jehovah God, service, and legacy. He had a very generous spirit and a deep love for sacred service in the ministry work of Jehovah’s Witnesses, encouraging all he met—including the inmates at Uintah County Jail and the Alaska Penitentiary. His faith guided his actions and inspired those around him to live with compassion and purpose.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Shirley Knibbe; his children Jon (Kelly) Knibbe, Dennis (Andrea) Knibbe, Dave (Crissy) Knibbe, Annette Kerbs, and Michelle (Mikel) Cortisse; as well as 18 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly.

Though he is no longer physically with us, the lessons he taught and the memories he left behind will live on in every heart he touched.

Forever loved, never forgotten...

A Viewing for family and friends will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 12:00 - 1:30 pm at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary followed by a Memorial Service at 2 pm at the Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah Witness (1500 North 232 East).

11/06/2025

Kathy Bassham Stevens
December 23, 1959 — November 3, 2025
Dinosaur,CO

Kathy will go home to West Virginia to be with her family

11/05/2025

Jay Hartle
December 1, 1943 — November 3, 2025
Lapoint

Jay B. Hartle, 81, of Lapoint, Utah, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Born on December 1, 1943, in Lapoint, Utah, Jay was the son of Kenneth and Donna Hartle. He learned the value of hard work early in life by working on the farm every day. He graduated from Union High School and then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Toronto, Canada Mission. On March 15, 1968, he married Lois, and they were later sealed in the Provo Utah Temple on September 2, 1978. Together they raised three children: Troy, JaLyn, and Ryan.

Jay attended trade school to become a printing apprentice and volunteered with the first Lapoint Fire Department. He held many jobs throughout his life and retired from Deseret Power. He faithfully served in many church callings, including as Young Men President, a member of the Lapoint Bishopric, High Priests Group Leader, and was an avid home teacher. He loved spending time with his family, riding horses, and gathering cows. His greatest joy in life was being a grandpa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Donna Hartle; his in-laws, Laris and June Wooley; his brother, Keith Hartle; his sisters-in-law, Carma and Dixie Hartle; and his brother-in-law, Harold Farnsworth.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lois; their children, Troy (Jamee), JaLyn (Andrew), and Ryan; thirteen beloved grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

His family would like to thank Canyon Home Health Care for the wonderful care they gave him.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. Funeral services will follow on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lapoint Church, with a viewing from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.

Burial in the Lapoint Cemetery.

11/03/2025

Marlene Horrocks Swain
March 16, 1943 — November 2, 2025
Washington/Vernal

Marlene Horrocks Swain, an elegant yet adventurous lady from the small town of LaPoint, Utah, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025. She was born on March 16, 1943, the third child to Ronald and Merl (Jenkins) Horrocks. Marlene has five brothers and two sisters and lived to tell about many farm life adventures with scarcely a dull moment. She learned early to work hard and study harder in school. She excelled in high school as a class officer, student body officer, member of the LDS seminary council, and graduated as an honor student. She excelled in sports, especially tennis, and loved dancing. During her junior year, her lifelong sweetheart, Von Swain, caught her eye. They married in the Salt Lake Temple on December 20, 1961. The newlywed couple moved to Ogden and then Logan to pursue Von’s education aspirations. Quickly, Marlene adapted to university life and supported Von by working various jobs. When Von graduated from Utah State University, they moved to Vernal, and later to Phoenix, Arizona, next to Casper, Wyoming, and settled in Cedar City for 27 years. They raised four children, two daughters and two sons. Marlene continued a master's course in motherhood while supplementing the family’s income by working several part-time jobs.

As empty nesters, they fulfilled their lifelong dream to retire in Vernal, Utah, where Von worked on a small farm and Marlene created her magnum opus…her incomparable flower gardens. Her favorite pastime, between chasing children and grandchildren, was cultivating flower beds. However, Marlene and Von always prioritized interests in their children: Tamera (Dan) Sullivan, Monica (Larry) Rowe, Darren (Kate) Swain, and Jason (RaDel) Swain. Marlene doted, unapologetically, on her eleven grandchildren, Shelby, MaKayla, Blake, Alexis, Chandler, Dezmond, Damon, Ginny, Marlee, Jackson, and Belah, and several step-grandchildren. Marlene deeply loved all of her 16 great-grandchildren. They helped her survive the last 13 years without her sweetheart, Von, who died on October 8, 2012.

Our dearest mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother loved travelling the world, seeing new cultures, and surviving mishaps and surprises around every corner, and visiting all the main continents, except for “those cold ones.” She instilled in her family the power of her testimony in Jesus Christ, the importance of service, being a hard worker, loving books, learning (always), and making friends wherever you go.

Marlene served in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She relished learning gospel principles and topics and attended, and repeatedly attended, LDS institute classes until she said, “I think I should have a master’s degree in LDS studies.” These last two years, Marlene strengthened her testimony and gained power, purpose, and peace by worshipping in the temple. She said she couldn’t wait to meet all the people she helped.

Marlene is survived by her four children, all of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the following siblings: Keith Horrocks, Howard (Karen) Horrocks, Glenn (Pauline) Horrocks, Judy (Mark) Corfine, Lewis (Sherry) Horrocks, Bruce (Westona) Horrocks, and Becky (Lance) Hancock. Marlene’s death is preceded by her husband, Von, and her parents, Ronald and Merl Horrocks.

Marlene survived several illnesses in her life, but she always exhibited a tender heart with high expectations, compassion with high standards, with unwavering loyalty towards her many friends and family members. Her private pursuits included retelling her treasured moments, captured in fleeting time, uninhibited through her constant yearnings for the thrill before a grand adventure. Happy reunion with your loved ones, Mom. We will see you again.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Blackburn Mortuary at 15 East 100 North, Vernal, Utah. A viewing will be held at 10:00 am, before the service. Interment will be in the Lapoint City Cemetery under the direction of Blackburn Mortuary. Instead of flowers, Marlene would encourage you to smile at a passing stranger and do a good deed every day.

11/03/2025

Gary Wayne Hampton
May 25, 1970 — October 31, 2025
Salt Lake City

Gary Wayne Hampton, 55, of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away on October 31, 2025, after a brief but courageous fight with an aggressive cancer that was only recently discovered. Even in the face of this unexpected challenge, his thoughts and strength remained focused on his daughters—Ashton Brette and Cambree Alese—whose happiness meant everything to him.

Gary was born on May 25, 1970, to Boyd and Kathleen Goddard Hampton. He was raised in Aurora, Utah, and was the oldest of five children. After graduating from high school, Gary moved to Salt Lake and began his career with Shamrock Plumbing. Over the next 25 years, Gary established himself as a skilled and trusted Master Plumber, earning the respect of those around him through his hard work, reliability, and genuine care. Through his career, Gary made connections and friendships everywhere he went. He was truly a “give-you-the-shirt-off-his-back” kind of friend, a force for good in the lives of so many people.

Anyone who knew Gary knows that he loved his daughters more than anything in the world—with snowmobiling coming in a very close second. He found so much joy teaching his girls how to ride and sharing time on the mountain with them. He knew the Uinta and Fish Lake mountain ranges like the back of his hand and loved riding for as long as possible. Though the girls sometimes got cold or tired or hungry, they always knew the day wouldn’t end until the sun went down and the mountains grew dark, and they loved him all the more for it. He was playful, adventurous, and full of life—always looking for ways to try something new. Whenever he and the girls found themselves in a situation where the path ahead went in two directions—whether in life or simply on a hike—Gary would turn to them and ask, “Do you want to take the fun way or the boring way?” With Gary, it was always the fun way.

Above all, Gary enjoyed being a dad, and it is in that love that he will be remembered and missed most. As a father, Gary was always understanding and supportive. He treasured his girls and would go above and beyond to show up for them and make things happen. His love was always focused on making their lives better—whether changing an air filter, building a wedding arch, or fixing a car, Gary never hesitated to step in.

Gary didn’t wait for a reason to help — he went out of his way to do things for the girls, just because he could. On a recent trip to New Mexico to visit Cambree, he quietly moved through her house, fixing this and replacing that. It wasn’t until after he returned home that Cambree began discovering all the things he had done for her. Gary’s love for his girls extended to everything around them, including their pets. When Ashton moved to Colorado, her cat, Toes—who Gary had taught to drink water from the bathroom faucet when they lived with him—didn’t like the way the water sprayed in the faucets of the new house. Being the compassionate dad that he was, Gary sent Ashton a box full of faucet filters so she could find the perfect one for Toes.

Gary loved his girls. He loved showing up for them. He loved supporting them. And most importantly, he loved seeing them learn and grow, becoming the people they are now. No matter what challenges or struggles they faced, Gary was always understanding—loving them through the process. His love was genuine and sincere, a steady presence his girls will carry with them forever.

Gary is deeply loved and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Boyd Wayne Hampton and Kathleen Goddard Hampton, as well as his grandparents, Thurlan Hampton and Marjorie and Clarence Goddard. He is survived by his daughters, Ashton (Austin) Thompson and Cambree Hampton; his brothers, Larry Hampton and Brian Hampton; his sisters, Marjorie Hampton and Marcee Hampton; his grandmother, Elna Hampton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Gary’s friends and coworkers at Shamrock Plumbing for their love, support, and kindness during this difficult time. Their care and compassion meant so much to Gary and to those who loved him.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at the Vode Event Venue, 2888 W 4700 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84129 to honor his legacy of love, adventure, and devotion to his family and friends. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and remember the difference Gary made in the lives of everyone he met.

11/03/2025

Ned M. Reynolds
January 4, 1939 – November 1, 2025
Vernal, Utah

Ned M. Reynolds, 86, of Vernal, Utah, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, in his hometown surrounded by family. He was born on January 4, 1939, in Vernal, Utah, to loving parents whose values of hard work and faith guided him throughout his life.

A proud graduate of Uintah High School’s Class of 1957, Ned went on to serve in the National Guard. He carried a strong sense of duty and dedication to his work, family, and community.

Ned married the love of his life, Loretta Mae Meek Reynolds, and together they built a beautiful family and life grounded in faith and love. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who took pride in his family and the values he passed down.

A true cowboy at heart, Ned worked as a farmer and rancher throughout his life. He loved his cows, his trucks, and the satisfaction of a hard day’s work. He saw much of the country from behind the wheel, enjoying the open road and the simple beauty of the land he loved. He worked in management at H. S. Sowards & Sons for several years, then retired from UDOT and owned Ned M. Reynolds Trailor Sales.

Ned’s interests reflected both his rugged and tender sides. He was an avid fan of John Wayne, Westerns, and Gunsmoke, but also had a soft spot for Hallmark love stories. Though he was not fond of outdoor picnics, he loved spending time with those he cared about most (as long as they ate indoors).

He is survived by his Sister Dixie Ault, daughter Joni Blandford (Eddie Blandford), daughters-in-law Lisa Evans (Steve Evans), Sheree Reynolds, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his and many extended family members and friends.

Ned was preceded in death by his beloved wife Loretta, his sons Tim Reynolds and Josh Reynolds, his parents, and 11 siblings.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Rocky Mountain Hospice and the staff at Landmark Inn for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Ned during his final months. They would also like to thank Paige Stewart and Holly Morton for their loving care and kindness.

Funeral services will be held in Vernal, Utah, on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 10:00 am (150 S Aggie Blvd, Vernal, UT 84078). Viewings will be Friday 6-8 pm at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary and Saturday 9-9:45 at the church. Interment at Rock Point Cemetery to follow. Arrangements are under the care of Blackburn Mortuary.

Ned will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, quiet strength, and the deep love he held for his family.

11/01/2025

Barbara Jane Brown Knighten
November 4, 1934 — October 31, 2025
Cheyenne Wy
Listen to Obituary
Momma was born, Barbara Jane Brown, November 4th 1934. She was born in Duchesne, Utah at the home of a midwife in the area. It was north of the main highway. She is the daughter of Charles William Brown and Ora Fern Smith. She had a happy childhood, enjoying the life they lived. One evening when she was about 3 they noticed she was missing. They searched frantically everywhere for her hoping not to find her in the canal not far away. Pretty soon, here came the family cow, with Barbara bringing it. She had recognized it was time to bring the cow in for the night and did it.

That was the kind of lady mom was. If there was something needing done in the home or out, she saw that it got done. There were many a family who experienced the loss we just did that received a batch of her light as air sweet rolls and a jug of orange juice and milk the morning of the funeral, “So they won’t have to worry about breakfast today.” During one of her stints as Relief Society president a family was coming from Australia with what they could carry in their suitcases. She organized the sisters, got the house cleaned and stocked with as many of the things as people could share to give that family hope and a more comfortable home. The father later served as Bishop in the ward.

Mom’s father was on his third marriage. He was an itinerant painter during the depression, and traveled from Colorado to the Great Basin. He said the soil there was great for growing things and settled down. He married that little blonde-haired gal, as he wrote about grandma to his son, to keep her out of mischief. Mom had one older brother, Howard, from grandpa’s second marriage. She had 4 brothers and 4 sisters, and she was the oldest in their family. Edward only lived a few precious months. Gene lived a long life and only passed a while ago. Carl was lost because of diphtheria at age 8. He was taken to Salt Lake City to try and save him. Their dad promised to bring him home, but came back the next day on the mail truck because Carl had passed. Marta passed a while ago. Dear Aunt Blanch passed just this last September. Richard, the Valentine’s Day brother, lived a longer life because of a kidney transplant when he was 24. He lived with our family while he waited for a kidney and Momma learned to drive so she could take him the 40 miles three times a week for dialysis at the University of Utah Medical Center. Mom is survived by her sisters, Loretta and Lois.

During the summer when Richard was doing dialysis, we three kids would go along with them. After getting Richard settled with the staff, we would ride the bus down to the church office building that stood where the conference center is now. We kids would take turns pushing the elevator button that took us to the fourth floor where the genealogy records were kept. Mom saved her quarters, dimes, and nickels to make copies of the sheets that had our family on them. We searched the original family group sheets, and when they were all found, learned to use the micro fiche and micro film machines. Mom loved doing family history work. She loved her family and wanted to find them all. It took a little convincing to get her to allow us to start doing the temple work for them, though. The church had much stricter rules then than now. I remember vividly the times she and I did work for her grandmother and great grandmother. A mother and daughter doing the work for a mother and daughter. As well as the day she knelt as herself, and Lee and I were her mother and father, for her to be sealed to them was a sweet, sweet day. We also sealed her parents that day and her grandparents. Just another way she served whoever she could, when and where she could.

When her father passed, he charged her and Gene to watch over their younger brother and sisters. She took this charge very seriously. Each Christmas we chose presents for each of their families because we had more than they did. Mom grew a large garden for many years and saved that money for us to go out to visit family. Her strawberry patch and raspberry bramble provided many pies, jars of jam to eat, and money for sharing with others. We would have neighborhood kids come with a quarter, nickel or dime to buy cucumbers that spelled out their name, or fresh tomatoes that were eaten before they got home.

Mom scrimped and saved anyway she could so we kids could go on band or choir tours, scout and young women’s camps and the odd movie here and there. She loved us each dearly. She got us all through High School and BYU for David and I and Stevens Heniger Business College for Laurel. She got Laurel and I married off. She learned how to decorated cakes so she could do Laurel’s cake, and cussed at me because I didn’t give her enough time to get blue flowers growing in her garden for my reception.

Each summer she grew, bottled, froze, dried and served hundreds of pounds of produce. Her apricot, apple, and pear trees gave us refined palates that still can barely stomach store bought canned fruits and vegetables.

After mom graduated from Union High School, her father made arrangements for her to go to Steven Henigar school to get an accounting certificate. She lived with a family as a house helper in Salt Lake City. She cherished the sweet little yarn doll that the children gave her as a graduation gift. It was there she learned to love Bleu Cheese. The family had been given a large wheel of it, and it was served many times, and many ways until it was gone. Her certificate from the business college gave her the skills to be a teller at the bank in Vernal. She was working there when her landlord and Dad’s landlord schemed and introduced them. Dad had been trying to meet her, though. He would see her on the street and cross to try and meet her and she would use evasive maneuvers to get away. She finally agreed to date and then marry David John Knighten, or “that cowboy”, September 5th 1958. David Gail was born 9 months later on May 21st in Farmington, New Mexico; and Laurel Elaine was born on their 2nd anniversary, which was also Labor Day, in Kemmerer, Wyoming. (The doctor had a tee time he was missing and griped at mom, while smoking his stogie, to hurry up so he wouldn’t miss it.) They lived in Big Piney at the time. Because of that doctor, I was almost born on the highway going from Big Piney to Evanston, because mom would not go to that man again. I was born four years after Laurel and David. They blamed me for a lot of things, but I had no stauncher defender than David, and better friend than Laurel, once we all grew up.

I apologize for skipping around. Life is linear, but mom’s story is like a dandelion, her sworn enemy, and scattered in many directions. Because of Laurel and David, or maybe a better word could be with them, Mom and Dad have visited every state in the US including Alaska and Hawaii. They have been to England, Scotland and Wales, Mexico and Canada. From a not even p**s poor (forgive my language, but it is a phrase that evokes destitution which is what mom grew up in) to a world traveler, Mom was quite a lady. She loved the church and her husband. She was devoted to both, even though the latter could exasperate her to no end.

Interestingly, mom and dad both started developing dementia about the same time, but it did not progress the same in them. She watched him and said, I will do this or won’t do that when I get that age. She was three years younger than dad. Sadly, she lost him during the covid farce, on Christmas night 2020. I had her mind for about a year after that, then after a couple of deaths and a wicked illness – not covid, her mind started slipping quickly into a different realm.

When I was 16 we were talking about life and different relatives that had to be in nursing facilities, and she asked me to promise her I would never put her in one. I made the promise that if it were in my power, she would never end up in one. I have kept that promise with the help of our family. I have read or was there for each of us kids patriarchal blessings. They all charged us with caring for mom and dad when they were old, and we did. David and Laurel gave them places to go, and things to do during retirement, and Laurel and I cared for them when they retired from retirement. She and dad both died in my home with family around them. It is hard to care for someone who cared for you, but does not know you as you anymore.

Momma was my example, my guide, my role model, my friend, my mother and my child. She died October 31,2025. May she and I finally rest, and may we all be blessed to see her again, happy, healthy and whole.

Graveside Services will be held Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 12 Noon at the Avalon Cemetery.

Blackburn Vernal Mortuary

11/20/2025

11/20/2025

11/16/2025

11/13/2025

11/12/2025

11/06/2025

11/06/2025

11/05/2025

11/03/2025

11/03/2025

11/03/2025

11/01/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Blackburn & Sons Mortuary