ROSE BLACKBURN, 91, of Wintersville, OH, died Thursday, October 06, 2005 in Allegheny General Hospital following a brief illness. She was a retail clerk whose career covered many years as an employee of W.T. Grant, Montgomery Wards, Sears and other retailers. Her retirement years were spent working in the ministry, which for a number of years was limited to telephone conversations and letter writing primarily offering Biblical comfort to those who had lost loved ones in death. Rose had no close family members in the area. Her personal needs were lovingly cared for by her friends in the Steubenville Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, Wintersville. Rose was born in Bellaire, OH December 8, 1913, a daughter of the late George and Dora (Eberling) Kemple. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Paul L. Blackburn who died April 29, 1990 and whom she married October 8, 1939; and one sister, Dorothy Smart. A niece and a nephew survives. Friends may gather at the Kingdom Hall, Two Ridge Rd. Wintersville on Sunday from 1 PM until time of services at 3 PM with Brother Harry Yingst. Burial in Union Cemetery will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Everhart-Bove Funeral Home, 110 West Main St., Richmond and condolences may be sent online at www.everhartfuneralhomes.com.

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