Doris J. (Arion) Blackburn, a lifelong Carroll County resident, died at 1:21 pm June 13, 2021, in the presence of family at Carroll Manor in Delphi. She was born, the 8th of 9 children, to Mabel E. (Hardy) Arion and George W. Arion, on April 12, 1934, in rural Carroll County. She married her high school sweetheart, Leonard K. Blackburn, on March 25, 1955, and they were married 53 years until Leonard’s death on December 3, 2008.
Doris was a 1952 graduate of Carrollton High School where she was class president for 4 years and a cheerleader. She worked for 40 years at the Globe Valve Corporation in Delphi, retiring in 1997. Doris was a 65 year member of the Burlington Church of Christ where she enjoyed the leadership of 12 pastors over the years. Doris was an active church member volunteering in many service roles through the years from coordinating and helping with funeral dinners, church teas and helping coordinate the church food pantry weekly well past the age of 80.
Doris and Leonard were blessed with a wonderful life and marriage of compatibility and the desire to please the other. They lead an active life of travel, square dancing, bowling, and playing cards with a wide circle of friends. They enjoyed yardwork and gardening and had the nicest yard in Wheeling for over 50 years. After retirement, they enjoyed many years on wintering in Fort Meyers, Florida.
Doris was an extrovert who thrived when she was busy, active and helping others. She did not know a stranger and her infectious laughter was well known to all who knew her.
She lived in deeds, not creeds. She had both a practical and generous heart and helped others whenever she saw the need. She did this quietly without seeking attention or credit. Friends, family and strangers all benefited from Doris’s ability to spot a need and quietly fulfill it. She was nearly the youngest of 9 siblings and helped many family members with the challenges of aging. She was the primary caretaker of her mother for over 30 years.
Doris loved all animals and had dozens of cats and dogs throughout her long life. She could never allow an animal to go hungry or cold and fed and housed many strays through the years. She would often spay and neuter stray cats before this became a standard practice. Her heart was moved by the most vulnerable and the need.
Doris had an adventuresome spirit throughout her life. From riding on a Harley behind her brother-in-law to driving to a casino when it was 22 degrees below zero. Doris was fearless. At the age of 78, she celebrated her first successful battle with cancer by zip lining in the jungles of Costa Rica.
Preceding her in death is her husband Leonard of 53 years; sisters, Helen, Betty, and Mabel; brothers, Harold and George Junior; and two sisters that died in infancy.
Surviving her in death, one sister, Krenta (Don) Keller of Rossville; two brothers-in-law, Norman (Colleen) Blackburn of Cutler and Tom Hubler of Camden. Also surviving are dozens of nieces and nephews who thought Doris and Leonard were the best aunt and uncle ever.
Special recognition to Doris’s lifelong friends, Pat Perkins of Flora and Janis Hanaway of Camden. Her newest “bestie” Joan Breis provided much friendship, laughter, and card games in the last several months of her life. Doris loved you all very much.
Doris’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Carroll Manor. Martha Lewis and her staff provided loving care of Doris the last 6 years of her life. There are angels on this earth disguised as humans, several can be found working next to the hog plant.
Carroll Manor is a wonderful asset to the community and is an underappreciated treasure. It provides a valuable need to the county by offering safe and loving care in a home like atmosphere.
Another huge thank you to hospice nurse Taunya. Her care, compassion, wit and wise counsel added so much quality to the last few months of Doris’s life.
Per Doris’s request, NO FLOWERS OR PLANTERS. If you are so inclined, make a donation to Carroll Manor where it will directly benefit the residents. Carroll Manor 6409 W – 100 N Delphi, IN 46923.
No viewing. Everyone is invited to a funeral service at Burlington Church of Christ, 312 S Michigan St, Burlington, IN 46915, on Saturday June 19th starting promptly at 10:15am.