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Susan Blackford Obituary
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Susan is survived by her sister Mary (Louis) Lowery, Dickson, TN; her brother Sam (Lynn) Humphreys, Emporia, KS; sister-in-law Jan Blackford (Pat) Dukes, Oklahoma City, OK; nieces: Michelle (Todd) Vermilyea, Dickson, TN; Lisa Lowery, Dickson, TN; Sunnin (John) Keosybounheuang, Emporia, KS; Serrell Humphreys, Kansas City, MO; Samantha (Luke) Rhoads, Emporia, KS and nephews Mike (Alice) Lowery, Leon, KS; Jason (Diane) Lowery, Augusta, KS; Dusty (Amanda) Humphreys, Emporia, KS; Jason (Meredith) Dukes, Yukon, OK; many cousins, great nieces and great nephews.
She met her husband Joseph Blackford II while they were employed as Park Rangers at Fall River State Park in Fall River, KS. They were united in marriage on October 9, 1983.
Susan obtained her undergraduate degree in Biology and her Master's degree in Cartography. She worked in McPherson, KS, as a Cartographer for several years. She and Joe moved to Manhattan, KS, where she worked as a Biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service until her retirement. She was involved in a number of clubs and organizations over the years, including the Prairie Falcon Northern Flint Hills Audubon Society as the Committee Chair for the Butterfly Garden, The Widows Circle as well as many others that reflected her wide-ranging interests and generous spirit. She charitably gave her time to a number of causes, including Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, among many other organizations that benefited from her dedication and compassion.
Susan had a deep love for the outdoors, finding joy and peace in nature. Whether hiking, birding, kayaking, bike riding, walking her beloved dogs, Punkin and Monkey by Milford Lake or simply enjoying the beauty of a sunrise or sunset, she felt most at home surrounded by the natural world.
Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Joe II and their dogs, Punkin and Monkey; her parents, Kenneth Sr. and Thelma Humphreys; her brother, Kenneth Humphreys, Jr. and her parents-in-law, Joseph I and Jeanne Blackford.
Cremation has taken place; a Family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Susan may be made to the Prairie Falcon Northern Flint Hills Audubon Society and/or Prairie Paws Animal Shelter in care of Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502
"Leave me in the heart of nature, beneath the sunlights's glow."
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1 Entry
Patricia Yeager
May 2, 2025
Susan knew the natural areas of Kansas more than any one I have known. She was a fun person to explore new places with and always knew the way back home. I will miss her adventuresome spirit and her steadfast, supportive friendship.
The Northern Flint Hills Audubon Society will certainly miss her as she was a board member for many years. As such, she proposed interesting speakers and worthwhile projects. You could count on her to show up and participate in the labor it took to turn those proposals into action.
We are deeply sorry to hear of her death.
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