Dorothy M. Blackburn, 61, of Parsons died at 5:34 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, in the emergency room at Labette Health. She had been in her usual health, and death was not expected.

She was born on July 2, 1950, in Parsons to Riley and Opal (Miller) Blackburn. As a young girl, she grew up in Dennis and later moved with her family to Labette City, where she attended school.

Her family was the most important part of her life, and she loved them dearly. She enjoyed watching television, working puzzles, coloring, wrestling and spending time with her cats.

Survivors include a brother, Vernon Blackburn and his wife, Diane, of Oswego; a sister, LaVena Kelley and her husband, Bill, of Parsons; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Fern Franklin, Jody Beery and Lavetras Blackburn.

The graveside service will be at 11 a.m. today at Labette Cemetery. Visitation was on Monday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.

Because of her love for cats, memorials are suggested to Proud Animal Lovers Shelter and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.