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Ralph LeRoy Blackburn, 82 years of age, of Albuquerque, New Mexico went to be with his Lord and Saviour, Thursday, January 27, 2011. Ralph was born on September 18, 1928, in Bayard, Nebraska to George and Gertrude Blackburn. Ralph graduated from Bayard High School in 1946; and graduated from Northwestern Bible School Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1949 with a Major in Bible; obtained a B.S Degree from Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, Texas in 1954 with Majors in Secondary Education, Speech, and Minors in Bible and English; and received a Masters Degree in Counseling and Guidance from Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1967. Ralph served as a history teacher and counselor in the Battle Creek Public School System until he retired in May, 1990. Ralph also served as pastor of the Rice Creek Community Church in Albion, Michigan from 19971 to 1993. Ralph married Norma Lorraine Hughes on August 24, 1951; and to that union was born son David Ralph and daughter Lois Ann. They shared almost 50 years together in Battle Creek, Michigan; and Ralph cared for Norma who had Multiple Sclerosis with loving grace until she passed on January 18, 1999. He enjoyed bible studies, softball, fishing, gardening, and summer vacations including visits to western Nebraska to see family. Ralph married Karolyn Elizabeth Mosher on June 25, 2002; and joining his family were her four children and grandchildren. They were actively involved in the Sandia Baptist Church and the Young at Heart Choir. They also enjoyed traveling, entertaining friends and family in their beautiful home as well as numerous activities with their church family. He is survived by his wife, Karolyn; daughter Lois and husband Todd Pemberton, their daughter Danielle and son Benjamin of Florida; his stepchildren Danette, Samie, Jerry and wife Lynn, and Wendy, all from Albuquerque; seven grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. Ralph is also survived by sister Verna Korell; and brother Melvin Blackburn both of Nebraska; cousins; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his first wife Norma and son David. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 31, 2011 at the Sandia Baptist Church, Constitution Avenue. Ralph dedicated his life to the service of the Lord since he was 17, and he was considered a Christian warrior to those who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an Animal Rescue facility.
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