Elda Marie Blackburn

Elda Marie Hansen Blackburn passed at age 88, January 26, 2016 of natural causes.

Elda was born October 19, 1927,

second of 8 children born to Leslie Levere Hansen and Luella

Thirza Bird of Teton City, Idaho. She graduated from St. Anthony High School in 1945.

She worked as a nurse assistant in Salt Lake City, Utah, reading letters to wounded servicemen. She married Nephi Allen Blackburn when he returned from WWII, in Dillon, Montana, March 29, 1947. They were later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple January 19, 1955.

Elda was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They served as leaders in the Grand Teton Council. She was awarded “Scouter of the year”.

She served as Primary and Sunday school teachers in Taylor and Jameston, Idaho before moving to Shelley. She served as a Stake Leader in Shelley. She travelled with other sisters to Temple Square and recorded a record of Primary songs.

Elda loved genealogy. She spent 35 years searching for her ancestors, found time for 4-H, and served dinner every Sunday for relatives. Camping and fishing with the Hansen’s was a big part of the family’s life. Later in their lives they joined snow birds traveling south.

She is survived by her children: Brenda Marie (Richard Peterson), Michael Lavere (Molly Higley), Nephi Allen Blackburn Jr., Jeffery Dennis (Dianna Smith), 16 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Nephi Allen Blackburn and son, Tony.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 30, 2016 at the Shelley 1

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Ward Chapel (184 N. Park Ave) in Shelley. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 till 8:00 P.M. at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley and Saturday morning from 10:00 till 10:40 A.M. at the church.  Burial will be in the Teton-Newdale Cemetery.