Obituary of Sharon D. Blackburn

Sharon Dunn Blackburn, 87, of Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, passed away November 6th, 2016 after a sudden and brief illness; she was surrounded by loved ones and at peace. Sharon was born to the late Iris Dean Rupert and Robert Henry Dunn in Cherokee, Oklahoma in 1929. She spent her youth in Clearwater, Florida where she graduated High School in 1947. Sharon married Joe Blackburn in 1954; the pair relocated to Idaho, had two beautiful daughters and divorced in 1975. She worked at the St. Maries Gazette Record for 26 years, belonged to the Eagles Auxiliary Club and was a cherished member of the St. Maries community. Sharon was well known for her speed walking, positive attitude, unending wit, bottomless generosity and larger than life heart and soul. Anyone who knew Sharon loved her, it was impossible not to; her spirit, laugh and smile were contagious. She was preceded in death by brother Thomas Dunn Sr. Sharon is survived by: brother Robert Dunn of Florida; sister Patricia Dunn of Kentucky; nephew Thomas Dunn Jr of Florida; and by daughters: Rebecca Blackburn Rice (and Thomas Rice) of Coeur D’Alene, Idaho; and Ramona Blackburn Moore of Spokane, Washington. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Amelia Moore, Katy Moore (Cory Lucas), Thomas Tyler Rice (Amy Roukema) and Rachel Rice (Jesse Paul); and three great grandchildren: Layla Lucas, Elouise Lucas and Benjamin Sweeney. Sharon Dunn Blackburn will be missed deeply and held forever in our hearts; she was marvelous, simply marvelous. A memorial service will be held at the Eagles Lodge in St. Maries, Idaho on Saturday, November 12th at 11:00 am. A gathering of family and friends to share a meal will follow. The attendance of all who knew Sharon, met her, talked to her or even passed her on the street has been requested by the family; they would like to celebrate her life and spirit with all. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Union Gospel Mission for Women and Children.