Mrs. Ima Ruth Simmons Blackburn, age 92, of E. Snow Street, State Road, passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital.

Mrs. Blackburn was born August 30, 1915 in Alleghany County to Clarence & Emma Brown Simmons.

Mrs. Blackburn was a homemaker and was the oldest member of Mountain Park United Methodist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by William Clonnie Blackburn and a son, Newton J. Blackburn.

Survivors include: a son, William D. "Dub" Blackburn and wife Nancy of State Road; a daughter, Iva West of Kernersville; a sister, Stuart Couch and husband Herman of State Road; seven grandchildren, Keith Blackburn, Teresa Bruce, James Crabb, Dwight Crabb, Kenny Blackburn, Kim McFarland and Kurt Blackburn; ten great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; a special friend, Shirley Hazeman of Thurmond.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 20, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Mountain Park United Methodist Church by Rev. Robert Waddell. Burial will follow at Crestwood Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Blackburn will lie instate 30 minutes prior to the service.
Online condolences may be made at www.hodgesfuneralhomeinc.com
Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin is serving the Blackburn family

Elkin Tribune 20 June 2008