Obituary of Irene H Blacker

Mrs. Irene Helen Blacker, age 89, of Bennett, CO, passed away Sunday, November 24, 2019 at The Center at Lincoln.

She was born December 7, 1929, on the family farm in Kansas, a daughter of the late Anna Johanna Louise and Reinhold Keller. Irene was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Raymond Blacker.

She was a hard-working, soft spoken, beautiful woman, both inside and out. Irene grew up on a farm in St. Francis, KS. Ray and Irene were married in 1948 and moved to Castle Rock in 1955, where they owned and operated a dry-cleaning business. In 1983, they moved to Bennett, where they eventually retired. Irene enjoyed needlepoint, caring for her pets, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Irene is survived by two daughters and two sons, Cherylle Kruse (Ford) of Alvin, TX, Sandra Whittum (Raymond) of Byers, Richard Blacker of Byers, and Donald Blacker (Carol) of Bennett. Grandchildren include, Joel Leathers of Alvin, TX, Katie (Don) Wilson of Evans, GA, Angela (Trevor) Graf of Strasburg, Nichole Diedrich of Denver, Melissa (Dustin) Olsen of Byers, Steven (Marilyn) Diedrich Jr. of Strasburg, Rich (Stephanie) Blacker of Houston, TX, and Shea (J.R.) Roberts of Spring, TX; nineteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Sophia Zuege of Haigler, NE; and one sister-in-law, Eleanor Keller of Haigler, NE; along with many other family members and friends who will miss her greatly.

A private graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 4, in Bennett. Throughout her life Irene was devoted to animals, particularly those without homes. The family asks that you consider a donation to the Dumb Friends League in Irene’s memory and to help carry on her love of animals.

Anyone that knew her, loved her. Our Heavenly Father most certainly gained an angel.