Rita Sharon Blackburn's Obituary
Blackburn, Rita Sharon (née Russell), age 78, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, at The Bickford Assisted Living and Memory Care in Middletown.
Rita was a 1966 graduate of West Carrollton High School, where she excelled as a student and as a cheerleader. On August 12, 1966, she married her high school sweetheart, David “Dave” Blackburn, who would be her constant companion in life until the moment she died.
She built a successful career as an interior designer and owned and operated her business, Interior Advantage, for many years before retiring. Her creative talents extended beyond interior design. She had a passion for floral design and spent time working at Carlisle Gifts in Waynesville and making floral arrangements she sold in shops in Waynesville and Lebanon. Rita also served as a school secretary for West Carrollton and Germantown schools for several years while her children were growing up.
She loved traveling with her family and friends to Dale Hollow Lake, Myrtle Beach, and Gatlinburg. But she was happiest at her home on 13 acres in Harveysburg, where she and Dave built their dream home and spent their retirement years.
Rita was creative, sweet, bubbly, generous, protective, and caring. Known affectionately by her sons as "Safety Pup," she was always looking out for the well-being and safety of those she loved. She had a remarkable eye for beauty and design, especially when it came to flowers. But she also loved crafting, sewing, and transforming ordinary items into something beautiful and special.
She was a loving and loyal wife to Dave, a doting and fun mother to Mike and Bobby, a spoiling and active Mamma to Ben and Nate, a supportive and encouraging mother-in-law to Keri, and she made the world’s best apple pie.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Lorraine Russell; her brother, Larry Russell; and her in-laws, Harry and Dot Blackburn. She is survived by her husband of 59 years and 10 months, Dave Blackburn; her son, Mike Blackburn; her son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Keri Blackburn; and her beloved grandsons, Ben and Nate Blackburn. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Gay and Bill VanLoozen; her twin brother, Ray Russell; seven nieces and two nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. She leaves to mourn the loss many extended family members, long-time friends, neighbors around the family farm, and residents and staff of The Bickford.
Funeral services will be at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. Burial will be at Miami Cemetery in Corwin. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Condolences and memories may be shared at https://www.stubbsconner.com.
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