Rita M. Blackburn

Born Jan.19-1935 in St. Marys, PA, one of seven children to the late George and Avis Peckham Goodreau. Her journey in this realm ended too young at the age of 75 on Sept.20-2010, in Victorville, CA. Her sister Joyce Hanes from St. Marys and stepdaughter Suzanne C. Blackburn were by her side when she took her last breath. With gratitude forever to the Hospice team of the VNA /Inland Counties, that last breath came as easy as possible. What an amazing group of caring people. Rita had a full life filled with adventure, always the athlete and a tomboy. She won many awards and trophies for her bowling prowess. After graduating St. Marys High School in 1952, she joined the USAF and traveled to places such as Germany, after which she settled in Sacramento at Mather AFB where she met the love of her life in 1965, Simon S. Blackburn. They were married in August 1966 and thus began more adventures, beginning with his transfer to the Philippines, Clark AFB during the Vietnam war. She and her stepdaughter Karen T. Blackburn volunteered as Candy Stripers at Clark AFB Hospital, which was a major stopping point for the troops. Due to this experience, she, Karen and Suzanne each wore an MIA bracelet for many years, as this time in history profoundly affected her and so many others who witnessed the atrocities of war. Upon returning to the mainland, she and Simon moved to Victorville, CA in 1973 after Simon retired at Mather AFB. They both worked for the Civil Service at George AFB until a 2nd retirement. Their years were filled with travel, working on their home, gambling in Las Vegas, and enjoying time with their many friends in the Victorville area. Rita, being 17-years younger than Simon, enjoyed being the 'kid' of the group and all the teasing and work that went along with that status! They loved college football [Arkansas Razorbacks!] as well as pro football and baseball. Many a fun wager was placed on the games. There was not a crossword puzzle out there she could not solve, except In the later years as the oxygen wasn't flowing as freely, the Wall Street Journal puzzles could frustrate her, but she did not give up. Her fighting spirit, organization skills, and will to conquer were evident up until the end, which she viewed as a beginning and a time to reunite with 'Sim' and all the others who left before her. She was preceded in death sadly by her step daughter, Karen T. Blackburn Little in 1986 due to a tragic accident; her parents George and Avis; her brother John Goodreau, sister Lois Goodreau Brunner, and her husband Simon S. Blackburn in 1994 due to cancer. She is survived by a stepson Gary [Vicki] Blackburn of Garfield, AR; Four step grand children- Lindi, Shane, Jill, and Spencer of Arkansas and their children [7 step great-grandchildren]; Stepdaughter Suzanne C. Blackburn of Eureka, CA; three sisters- Geraldine Witherson, Carol Dornish, and Joyce Hanes, as well as a brother Steve [JoAnn], all of St.Marys, PA, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of her family members. One burial will be in Earleyville Cemetery in Kersey, PA and the other will be by her husband at Baptist Ford Cemetery in Greenland, AR. Donations are not necessary, but if you have a few extra dollars then the family and Rita all appreciated the work of the Victorville Hospice Program, administered by The VNAIC, Office of Philanthropy, 42600 Cook St., Suite 202, Palm Desert, CA 92111. Phone 760.773.6260. Rita would not have been able to stay in the comfort of her home without their help. They are angels on Earth. The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want. Rest in Peace and Health, RitaMom. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click Obits.