Dorothy S. Blackham

Mesa, AZ/Salina, UT - Our kind and beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, Dorothy LaRee Shepherd Blackham, age 83 of Mesa, Arizona and formerly of Salina, died July 17, 2009 in Mesa. She was born May 9, 1926 in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, a daughter of Marlin Ardell and Tina Matilda Nielson Shepherd. She graduated from North Sanpete High School and attended Wasatch Academy in Mt. Pleasant. She married Ray D. Blackham, June 30, 1943 in Manti, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple April 4, 1956. He died July 5, 1999. Dorothy was an active member of the LDS Church, serving as the Primary Secretary for 14 years, She was meticulous records keeper for the Primary. She was also a faithful Relief Society Visiting Teacher for many years. Dorothy made many embroidered pillow cases and dish towels. She was a fastidious housekeeper. Dorothy helped her husband Ray can fruits and vegetables grown on Ray's beautiful gardens. They were both very generous to friends and neighbors in sharing their produce. She is survived by her son, Ron R. (LaReta S.) Blackham of Mesa; 4 grandchildren: Rhonda (Mark) Huish, Chandler, Arizona; Jeremy (Kelly) Blackham, Gilbert, Arizona; Kim (Eric) Pyles, Mesa, Arizona; Shelly(Edward) Hiatt, Apache Junction, Arizona; 14 great-grandchildren; brothers and sister: Jay Shepherd of Richfield; Connie Jensen of Ephraim; Dick Shepherd of Central Valley; Yvonne Shepherd, Sister-in-law of Mt, Pleasant. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray D. Blackham; her brother, Doyce Shepherd; and her parents: Marlin Ardell and Tina Matilda Nielson Shepherd. Funeral services will be held Saturday July 25, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. in Salina LDS Stake Center, 98 West 400 North, where friends may call for viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to the services. Burial will be Saturday afternoon at 3:00 P.M. in the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.