Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Blackburn

COOLIDGE - Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Blackburn, 91, a longtime Coolidge resident, died on June 24, 2018, in Apache Junction.

Mrs. Blackburn was born on April 22, 1927, in Toledo, Iowa, to Edison and Lillian DuPre. She grew up there and attended St. Mary's Catholic School. She moved to Coolidge in 1955 and, in addition to caring for her nieces and nephew, she worked in the family grocery store over the years. She was active in church, attending Mass daily and singing in the choir.

Her gift of music touched the lives of many, especially her nieces, to whom she taught piano through a variety of original musical games and activities that made learning fun. Her deeply spiritual nature was reflected in music, poetry and a child-like focus on kindness toward all God's creatures.

In 2008 she moved to Apache Junction Health Center, where she lived for just over 10 years. She was assisted by Hospice of the Valley in her final days.

Survivors include a nephew, Thomas "Tom" Shope of Coolidge; three nieces, Jennifer Brown of Gilbert, Mary Shope of Queen Valley and Elizabeth Shope-Pineda of Coolidge; 11 great-nieces and -nephews; 12 great-great-nieces and -nephews; and one great-great-great-niece. She was preceded in death by a sister, Anne Shope; two husbands, Henry Briggs and Wes Blackburn; and a niece, Patricia Shope-Manning.

Rosary recited at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 27, at St. James Catholic Church in Coolidge. Memorial Mass celebrated at 10 by the Rev. Adolfo Martinez-Escobar.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud Coolidge Chapel in charge of arrangements.