Ethel Margaret Blackman

"The only gift of value that I can give you is my faith because it is the only thing everlasting." Ethel Blackman

Ethel Margaret Blackman, age 88, of Island City, died Friday, May 15, 2009 in the presence of her children. Family viewing will be held on Monday, May 18, 2009 from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. Committal and interment will follow at the Island City Cemetery.

Ethel was born on September 8, 1920, the daughter of Thomas and Hazel (Wright) Murray in Dunseith, North Dakota. The family moved to La Grande in 1934 and she graduated from La Grande High School with the class of 1938. After graduation she worked at St. Joseph Hospital until her marriage to Thomas Houston Blackman on August 31, 1939. During the war years she worked in the purchasing department for Boeing. In 1967 she began working as the order clerk for Western Equipment Caterpillar. She retired from the position in 1981.

Ethel was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church since 1934. She enjoyed boating, fishing, traveling and camping.

Survivors include her children and their spouses, Gregory and Nancy Blackman of La Grande, Scott and Louise Blackman of Louisville, Kentucky, Jan and Pat Callaghan of Milwaukie, Oregon and Kristi and Joe Richter of Bend; siblings, Charles Murray of Linwood, Washington, Michael Murray of Redmond Washington, Beva Gall of Seattle and Rosella White of Renton, Washington; nine grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband last year and a sister & her husband, Evelyn and Al Werran and brothers, Frances Murray and John "Owen" Murray.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Ethel to Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in care of Daniels~Knopp.

Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep

I am a thousand winds that blow; I am the diamond glints on snow

I am the sunlight on ripened grain; I am the autumn's gentle rain

When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night

Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.

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