Jean Blackwell, 88, of Sweet Home, Oregon passed away Sunday, July 10. She was born in Holley to Ira and Mildred (Fruit) VanEpps.

On June 21, 1947, she married Orie Lee Blackwell. She had seven children and took in 27 foster children, all together. She was a great mother.

Jean enjoyed playing Pinochle, embroidering, and all holidays, especially Christmas. She loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by sons Bob and Carol Blackwell of Brownsville, Ron and Beth Blackwell and Mike and Paula Reynolds of Sweet Home, Eric and Brandy Blackwell of Lebanon; daughters Beverly and Larry Farnham of Lorane, OR, and Bonnie and James Dodge and Stephanie Arnold of Sweet Home; 16 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; five great, great grandchildren; sister Ruth Sumstine of Lebanon; brother Carl and Shirley VanEpps of Lebanon; sisters-in-law Rozena Nixon, Frances and Jim Davis, Darla VanEpps, and Marilyn VanEpps; and brother-in-law Ray Gates.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Orie Lee Blackwell; mother and father Ira and Mildred VanEpps; granddaughters Cynthia Blacketer and Alexandria Blackwell; brothers Ralph, Elmer, Glen, Lyle, Albert, and Jessie VanEpps; and sister Iris Gates.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 13t, at Union Cemetery in Crawfordsville, OR.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.