Allene (Friend) Blackburn

Allene Friend Blackburn, age 93, of Grants Pass, passed away on August 23, 2023.

Allene was born in Santa Ana, California on November 5, 1929, to parents Joseph Allen and Pearl Mae Friend.  She was her parents' only daughter, and was affectionately known as "Sis" to her three devoted brothers.

The family moved to Grants Pass during World War II, and Allene graduated from Grants Pass High School.  In 1954, she married Harold Blackburn.  The couple lived in Portland for many years, where Allene worked as a bank teller.   Harold and Allene moved to Grants Pass in 1993, and Harold passed away in 1994.  Allene retired from U.S. National Bank.

Allene was a long-time member of the First Christian Church, and played badminton at the Grants Pass YMCA until her early 90s.  In her younger days, she enjoyed travel.  She appreciated the company and support of neighbors in her mobile home park, where she lived independently until her death.

Allene was predeceased by her parents, her husband Harold, and two brothers, Wallace Friend and Joseph "Mel" Friend.  She is survived by her brother Lawrence Friend of Titusville, Florida, sister-in-law Betty Friend of Grants Pass, and many nieces and nephews and their families who will remember her with great fondness.

A memorial service for Allene Blackburn will be held on September 26th at 11:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church, 305 SW H Street, Grants Pass.

For more information, contact Celia Clark at simplertimesgp@gmail.com.