Shirley Blackburn (Williams)

Shirley Marie Rackeweg Blackburn, 91, went to be with the Lord, Saturday, May 23 2015 at 10:55 PM in Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester, Indiana.
Shirley was born November 29, 1923 in Breathitt County, Kentucky to Tommy and Stella (Kelley) Williams.
A former Warsaw, Indiana resident, Shirley came with her family to Indiana when she was 12.
On July 16, 1941, she and Walter Rackeweg were joined in marriage in Pierceton, Indiana. After Walter’s death she would later marry Lester Blackburn on August 28, 1976 in Warsaw.
Shirley was a homemaker who helped with the farm responsibilities including helping with the farm animals. Later she would be a manager at a Burger Dairy Store where she enjoyed meeting the public.
She attended Walnut Creed United Methodist Church when she was able. Shirley was a very good cook and was able to prepare a meal for the farm hands on short notice. Family and family time were important to her. She was a wonderful mother and a great wife. She cherished the times with her grandsons: Todd, Eric and Jason as well as her granddaughters: Sage and Jessica. During the 10 year battle with Alzheimer’s she showed faith and gentleness that her family and friends will long remember. She often thanked her caretakers at Peabody Retirement Community and thought of them as her extended family.
Survivors include her 2 daughters and a son-in-law: Janet and Dave Essig, Warsaw and Deb Reed of Columbia City, Indiana; 5 grandchildren: Todd Rackeweg of Charles City, Iowa, Eric Essig, Warsaw; Jason Essig, Fort Wayne, Indiana; Sage Olah, Winchester, Virginia; and Jessica Soto of Fort Wayne; 7 great grandchildren: Evan Essig, Jared Essig, Malise Olah, Creed Olah, Balen Olah, Olivia Soto and Ava Soto; 4 step children: Burdell, Linda, Sue and Di Anne.
She was preceded in death by her husbands: Walter Rackeweg (January 31, 1974) and Lester Blackburn (June 15, 2009); son: Larry Rackeweg (February 22, 2008); and brother: Charles Williams (November 26, 1988).
Private graveside services were held in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Pastor Sue Babovec, chaplain of Peabody Retirement Community, will officiate.
The family has asked that gifts in Shirley’s memory be directed to Alzheimer’s Association, 6324 Constitution Drive, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The staff of Titus Funeral Home considers it a privilege and an honor to care for the family and friends of Shirley Marie Rackeweg Blackburn.