(May 9, 1913 - Jan. 3, 2008) Graveside services and burial were conducted Monday, Jan. 7 at Riverside Cemetery in Cody for Mary Ruth Blackburn, Heart Mountain homesteader, who died early Thursday, Jan. 3 at West Park Long Term Care Center in Cody. She was 94.She was born May 9, 1913, near Bazaar, Chase County, Kans., the youngest of five children of Seward H. and Josepha (Tinkham) Baker. Her schooling began at Baker School, a rural school near her home. She rode her pony, Queenie, to school each day. Mary attended Chase County High School in Cottonwood Falls, Kans., graduating in 1932. Following her high school graduation, she married Chester A. Blackburn on May 25, 1932, in Cottonwood Falls. They were one month short of being together for 64 years when Chester died in 1996. Three children were born to their union: Richard Arthur, Ruth and Jane Ellen.After World War II, the Blackburn family moved to Wyoming, homesteading on the Heart Mountain Reclamation Project in 1947. Mary and Chester were active in the Heart Mountain community. Mary was instrumental in forming the Heart Mountain Extension Club and was a charter member. She was involved in the day-to-day activities on the farm and was always proud of her animals, enjoying the livestock and taking great delight in showing and working with her sheep.Survivors include her daughters and their husbands, Ruth and George Pfaff of Las Vegas, Nev., and Jane and Charlie Chelberg of Powell; her grandchildren and their spouses, Nancy and Darrell Kessler of Lander, Richard and Sandi Pfaff of Gillette, Julie and Dan Groves, Kay Pomeroy, Steve and Julie Thompson and Jerry and Ruth Thompson, all of Powell, John and Becky Chelberg of Pollock Pines, Calif.; 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Chester; son, Richard; two brothers and two sisters. For those who wish, memorial donations to a charity of choice would be appreciated by the family. Ballard Funeral Home handled arrangements.

(May 9, 1913 - Jan. 3, 2008)

Graveside services and burial were conducted Monday, Jan. 7 at Riverside Cemetery in Cody for Mary Ruth Blackburn, Heart Mountain homesteader, who died early Thursday, Jan. 3 at West Park Long Term Care Center in Cody. She was 94.

She was born May 9, 1913, near Bazaar, Chase County, Kans., the youngest of five children of Seward H. and Josepha (Tinkham) Baker. Her schooling began at Baker School, a rural school near her home. She rode her pony, Queenie, to school each day. Mary attended Chase County High School in Cottonwood Falls, Kans., graduating in 1932.

Following her high school graduation, she married Chester A. Blackburn on May 25, 1932, in Cottonwood Falls. They were one month short of being together for 64 years when Chester died in 1996.

Three children were born to their union: Richard Arthur, Ruth and Jane Ellen.

After World War II, the Blackburn family moved to Wyoming, homesteading on the Heart Mountain Reclamation Project in 1947. Mary and Chester were active in the Heart Mountain community. Mary was instrumental in forming the Heart Mountain Extension Club and was a charter member. She was involved in the day-to-day activities on the farm and was always proud of her animals, enjoying the livestock and taking great delight in showing and working with her sheep.

Survivors include her daughters and their husbands, Ruth and George Pfaff of Las Vegas, Nev., and Jane and Charlie Chelberg of Powell; her grandchildren and their spouses, Nancy and Darrell Kessler of Lander, Richard and Sandi Pfaff of Gillette, Julie and Dan Groves, Kay Pomeroy, Steve and Julie Thompson and Jerry and Ruth Thompson, all of Powell, John and Becky Chelberg of Pollock Pines, Calif.; 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Chester; son, Richard; two brothers and two sisters.

For those who wish, memorial donations to a charity of choice would be appreciated by the family. Ballard Funeral Home handled arrangements.