Barbara Ann Blackwell

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025, at 11:00am at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Claremore, OK. Burial will follow at St. Therese Cemetery in Collinsville, OK. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 16, from 1:00-6:00pm with family greeting friends from 4:00-6:00pm. A rosary will be held at 6:00pm on Sunday. Barbara passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, a the age of 85.

Barbara Ann Blackwell, born on September 11, 1939, in San Antonio, TX, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones. She was the daughter of Cleveland and Francis (Stuebben) Burns.

Barbara grew up in San Antonio and graduated with the class of 1957. One evening at a drive-in, she met John Blackwell, and their love story began. They married on September 24, 1960, and built their life together. In 1972, they moved to Blanchard, OK, where they raised show dogs, before moving to Tulsa in 1979 to open their steakhouse. Barbara later worked at American Airlines, retiring as an Administrative Assistant.

She was a devoted member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, volunteering in the food pantry and working with Catholic Charities in Tulsa. She also sponsored children in South America, always extending her kindness beyond her immediate family.

Barbara found joy in reading, working puzzles, and cooking for her family. Family was the center of her world, and even in her final days, she remained focused on their well-being.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Mary Olinick and Kathy Lamb. 

She is survived by her husband, John Blackwell; children, Peggy France and husband Miles, Linda Jerchau and husband Jay, John Blackwell, Jr., and Billy and wife Luz Blackwell; grandchildren, Stephanie France, Miles, Elizabeth, Emily (Pete), Zackery and Justen Anderson, Rachael (Judson) Clemons, David (Angela) Jerchau, Jacob (Sydney) Jerchau, and Daniel Jerchau, Shelby (Patrick) Werther, John, Raegan, Makenzie, Allen and April Blackwell; great-grandchildren, Dorothy and Mabel Anderson, Isaac, Addy, and Kohen Clemons, Elizabeth, Isabelle, Michael Jerchau, Rory and Gabriel Jerchau, Brooks and Brody Werther; brothers, Larry Burns and Donald Burns; sisters Evie Zigmond, Theresa Lukasik, Virginia Burns, Carol Killin, and Bonnie Stewart.