Viola Madeline Blackburn, 98, of Wellsville, MO, formerly of rural Montgomery City, MO, died on Monday, December 18, 2017, at the Gamma Road Lodge in Wellsville, MO.

Viola Madeline Ham Blackburn was born June 23, 1919, to Carter Ham and Lona Mae Hart Ham. She graduated from the Montgomery City High School and then married Delbert Blackburn on January 25, 1951 in Wellsville, MO. Mr. Blackburn preceded her in death. Mrs. Blackburn worked as a telephone operator for many years and then worked at the Montgomery County R-II School as a cook. She was a member of the Montgomery City Christian Church DOC; worked hard with her special friends at the Montgomery City Christian Church Clothes Closet; enjoyed working puzzle books, crocheting, and gardening.

Mrs. Blackburn is survived by two children: Denis Lee Blackburn and wife, Kathy, of Lawton, OK; and Teri Lee Blackburn of Hannibal, MO; three grandchildren: David Blackburn and his family of Lawton, OK; Heather Blackburn and family of Lawton, OK; and Denny Blackburn and family of Austin, TX. She had six great grandchildren. Also surviving are special nieces: Norma Moore, Doris Moore, Janice Hopewell, Arlene Sizemore, and Grace River. Special friend was Ling Go.

Mrs. Blackburn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and sisters and brother: Anna Mae Kirks, Gladys Moore, and Marvin Ham.

Graveside services were held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, December 21, 2017, at the Montgomery City Cemetery in Montgomery City, MO. Mr. Tony Mattox officiated and Mr. Phil Ahern sang. Interment was in the Montgomery City Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Montgomery City Christian Church DOC; c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO 63361.