Nell Dee Gruening Blackman

Nell Dee Gruening Blackman of Midland, Texas went home to be with the lord on Saturday, May 1, 2010 following a short illness. She was born in Brownwood, Texas on January 7, 1929 to RJ and Lucy Gruening. She graduated from Brownwood High School and Draughon's Business College In Abilene, Texas. She also attended Midland College and Permian Basin Graduate Center classes. Nell was employed by Tex Harvey Oil Company, Parkersburg Rig and Reel Company and Joseph I. O'Neill Oil Properties for 37 years, before retiring in 1992. She was a Girl Scout leader, charter member doucet and president of the Santa Rita Club of the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, President of the Permian Basin Geological and Geophysical Auxiliary, President of the Desk and Derrick Club of Midland, and a volunteer teacher of the Midland Association of Retarded Citizens. She loved to travel and did so at every opportunity. She was a master seamstress, decorator, cook, and hostess extraordinaire. She was generous with her talents and embraced every challenge and opportunity. Nell moved to Midland in 1948 and married William S. Blackman on June 29, 1950. He preceded her in death on February 20, 1992. She is survived by her sister, Peg Elliott of North Richland Hills, Texas; two daughters, Sherry Coplen of San Angelo, Texas; Trisha McGill of Midland, Texas; four grandchildren, Justin McGill of Midland; Bill and wife Jennifer of Jacksonville, North Carolina; Kim and husband John of Midland, Texas; and Heather and husband Don of San Angelo, Texas. She also was a great grandmother of seven, Hunter, Caleb, Braydon, Madie, Logan, Connor, and Kody; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families, as well as her four legged best friend, Babe. She was loved and cherished by her extended family and years of friendships, too numerous to name. Funeral services have been scheduled for 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at Redeemer Christian Fellowship Church, 3000 Franklin in Midland, Texas with Pastor Dick Spencer officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Hospice of Midland, PO Box 2621, Midland, Texas 7970 2. The family wishes to thank them with deepest gratitude for their care. Also tremendous thanks to her wonderful caregivers, Katie, Naomi, and Letti whose gentle care enabled her to remain comfortably in her home. We thank you lord for the precious gift of life, past and present and your gift of grace through the risen Savior, Jesus Christ with the promise of a new and eternal life in your presence.