June Blackwood

June Blackwood passed away May 25, 2015.  She was born January 25, 1919 in Butte, Montana to George and Elvene Pitman, youngest of four children.  Her father was a depot agent for the Milwaukee RR.  June spent her childhood living in Lombard, 16 Mile and Ringling, MT.

At age 13, she rode the Milwaukee line 150 miles (round trip), Ringling to Butte, one day a month and took a 1 hour drum lesson.  She drummed for “after-school-dances” as a student at Gallatin County High School and a dance band with her brother who played the saxophone. June loved animals of all kinds especially cats, she even adopted a skunk.

June had an inquiring mind, loved to read and learn.  Her memory was amazing, right up to her passing.  Later in life she joined a writer’s club and composed many poems.  The family compiled them into a booklet.

After graduating from High School, June certified as a hair stylist and worked with her mother in their beauty salon (Artistic Beauty Salon on South Tracy).

June married Edw D Blackwood on June 19, 1939, they lived and ranched in the Gallatin Valley for 58 years until Ed’s death in the 1998.  She stayed on the ranch for 9 more years, then moved to St. George, Utah near her daughter and son-in-law.

One of June’s greatest talents was baking pies, cakes, parker house rolls, and making candy.  No one left her home hungry.

Mrs. Blackwood was an honorary member of Eastern Star and the Middle Creek Women’s Club and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

She is survived by her son Dr. Lee Blackwood (wife Billie Doss), daughter El’Ve (Jerry) Border, 5 grandchildren: Buck Blackwood, Colorado Springs; Cindy Border White, Riverton, UT; Mitch and Tim Border, Ogden, UT; Chet Border, Dallas, Texas; 14 great-grandchildren and 5 great great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at a later date in Montana.