RaNae Swenson Blackburn was born in Preston, Idaho on June 1, 1933. She passed away on February 14, 2015 at Rocky Mountain Care Facility in Tooele, Utah, surrounded by loved ones. RaNae was the second child of Elmer and Dortha Dugmore Swenson. Her early childhood was spent on a family farm north of Clawson, Utah. She had fond memories of her years on the farm as a tomboy. She attended elementary school in Ferron and moved to the coal mining community of Sunnyside when she was nine. RaNae loved school and was a good student. She completed the ninth grade when she fell in love with and married Gary J. Blackburn on September 12, 1948, at her parents home in Sunnyside, Utah. She later completed her education and continued learning throughout her life. Gary and RaNae had three children, Nola, Gary and Tim. They moved from Sunnyside to Deseret Land and Livestock in Woodruff, Utah in April 1958. They were sealed as an eternal family in the Logan Temple on March 25, 1965. RaNae was an excellent homemaker and worked for several years at the ranch cooking for haycrews, cowboys, and many ranch guests. She was well known not only as one of the best cooks around but was loved for her fun, warm personality. She never met a stranger and welcomed everyone to her table. Through all the years that Gary and RaNae lived on ranches, RaNae not only provided lunch for the brandings but also helped by vaccinating calves and other corral work. RaNae also worked as a cook at Woodruff Elementary and South Rich High School. She drove a rural school bus route for many years, keeping everyones children safe with the challenges of 0 weather and all kinds of road conditions. RaNae worked as a Psychiatric Aide at the Wyoming State Hospital for many years, working up to the position of Supervisor. She was well respected by coworkers, and the patients who loved her. She also worked at the Wyoming Women's Center In Evanston, Wyoming as Foodservice Manager. After moving to Grantsville, she worked at San Francisco Pizza in Solberg's Grocery Store and even detailed cars for a short time. She served for a time on the Foster Care Review Board in Tooele County. RaNae loved bowling, fishing, cooking, quilt making, photography, traveling, writing, painting, reading, crossword puzzles, music, and spending time with family and friends and giving service to others. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She had so much patience, love and creativity. She taught them many things about nature, having fun and loving life. Trips to Wendover with her sister, Mary, were a special treat. RaNae had a deep testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and fulfilled many callings throughout the years. She and her dear friend, Alice, spent untold hours making quilts, dresses, and many other humanitarian projects. RaNae and Gary celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary September 12, 2014. RaNae is survived by her daughter Nola, Lusk, Wyoming; son Gary and wife Lennie, Peoa, Utah; son Tim and wife Leslie, Blanco, New Mexico, sister Mary Toone, Grantsville, UT; 8 grandchildren, and 16 greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Gary, parents, sister Joan Rutherford, brother William, brother David, and grandson Jaydee. The family would like to express our thanks to the hospice nurses at Pine Mountain for their outstanding care and compassion and support of the family. A viewing will be held Wednesday, February 18 from 6 to 8 at the Grantsville 9th Ward (415 W Apple St, Grantsville). Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 19 at 11:00, with a viewing 1 hour prior to funeral service. Services entrusted with Didericksen Memorial, 435-277-0050.
