Ruth F. Blackbourn, age 95, of Dixon, IL formerly of Beetown passed away on Monday evening November 2, 2020 at the Dixon Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. She was born on August 31, 1925 in Lancaster the daughter of Percy and Olive (Martin) Eastman. Ruth was united in marriage to Lloyd “Edward” Blackbourn on September 15, 1944.
Ruth and Edward farmed in rural Beetown for several years. After his untimely death, she continued her education receiving her Certified Nursing Assistant degree. She worked many years at Orchard Manor in Lancaster until her retirement in the late 1980’s. Ruth loved helping others and continued home health care in Lancaster and the surrounding area for several years after her retirement. Ruth loved the outdoors and she could be found working in her garden. She also enjoyed working on crafts, spending time with animals or watching the clouds above; she loved nature. Ruth had moved to Dixon, IL in April of 2016 to be closer to family.
Ruth is survived by her three children; Terry (Donna) Blackbourn of Cedar Rapids, IA, Ken (Ruth Ann) Blackbourn in Dixon, IL, Jo Ellen (Tom Rupnow) Roche of Monroe, daughter-in-law Cheryl Blackbourn of Beetown, eight grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, her sister Irene Bryhan of Fennimore, along with several nieces and nephews.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband Edward on November 24, 1969, son Dennis Blackbourn on February 24, 2015, two sisters and their husbands; Marie and Ernest McGraw, and Helen and Eric McGraw, brother Willis Eastman and an infant brother, and brother-in-law Richard Bryan.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday May 1, 2021 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore with food and fellowship to follow at the Family in Faith Hall in Fennimore. Burial will be in the Hillside Cemetery in Lancaster. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home on Saturday morning. The Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore is assisting the family.