Leona Marie Blackwood

October 2, 1925 - March 16, 2015

With great sadness, we'd like to announce that on March 16, surrounded by family and in her own home, Leona Marie Blackwood went home to the Lord and back in the arms of her late husband, John Robert Blackwood. Better known as Marie, Mom, Granny B, and Great Granny B, she was deeply loved by all those who knew her.

Marie was born on October 2, 1925, in Shelton, Wash. to William and Fairy Matthews. Her siblings were Tom, Bill, Ray, Art and Barb. At the age of 20, she met and married her lifelong love, John, and together they shared 53 years of marriage.

Marie meant so many things to so many people. She was deeply involved in her church, belonged to a widows' group, played dominoes regularly, helped with the blood bank, and donated much of her time to the American Legion. She was passionate about gardening. Her yard holds many memories, from family weddings to Easter egg hunts to playing croquet and holding BBQs. There was never a time any of us couldn't go home to her. Her door and heart were always open. We ask that everyone sprinkle some extra seeds in their yards, as the birds are missing their friend.

Marie is survived by her sister Barb Gordon (Pat), her three children Johnny Blackwood, Donna Miller (Dave), Barb Allen (Dave), her five grandkids Krista Jones (Mason), Julie Garibay (Aaron King), Stacy Orozco (David), Brent Allen, Dara Allen (James), her ten great-grandkids, Jord'Enn Barker, David Trysten Mende, Haylee Orozco, Rylee Garibay, Emily Jones, Kaylynn Orozco, Katy Jones, Cayden Allen, Brynlynn King, Greysen Fowler-Allen, as well as her friends and neighbors Pat and Donna Palmerton and family, Charlie and Judy Clark and family, Avis Morice and Charlotte Roth.

She's preceded in death by her parents, William and Fairy Matthews, her brothers William, Ray, Art and Tom Matthews, her loving husband John, and her grandson Deme Garibay.

Proverbs 31: 28-31

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;her husband also, and he praises her:

29 "Many women do noble things,but you surpass them all."

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

The service will be held Saturday, April 11 at 2 p.m. at Lakeview Missionary Church, 810 S. Evergreen Dr., Moses Lake, WA. It's open to all those who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a donation be made to The Disabled American Vets or The American Legion in her name. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory.