Mary E. Blackburn (née Davison, formally Roche) August 19, 1937- July 27, 2023 Mary Blackburn passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on July 27, 2023 in Alvarado, TX. She had a strong, independent spirit, and touched hundreds of people through her determination to live life on her terms, and her generosity towards humans and animals alike. She was born in Indianapolis, IN in 1937 and graduated from Shortridge High School in Indianapolis in 1954. In 1959 she married Dr. Edward B (Ted) Roche and began a family, with two daughters, Janet Lynn, and Beverly Ann. The family lived first in Columbus, Ohio, then settled in Lincoln, Nebraska. In Nebraska, Mary began to be active in the American Kennel Club and the Lincoln Obedience Club. Mary bred and showed English Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels for over 35 years, earning multiple championships in confirmation and certificates in obedience over many years with her Springers. She eventually became a professional dog handler, and helped her fellow breeders have success with their animals in the ring. Mary’s generosity and natural gifts with animals led her to become an instructor in the Cornhusker Kennel Club, and eventually an officer on the board. In 1978, Mary moved her family to Indianapolis, where she worked in accounting and continued to train and show dogs. She was a 4-H Instructor in Warren Township, Indianapolis and in Boone County, Indiana, and a 4-H Judge at the Indiana State Fair. Mary’s 4-H students carry on her love of animals to this very day, with veterinarians and dog trainers tracing their inspiration back to “Miss Mary”. While living in Indianapolis, Mary began to study Square Dancing and became active in the “Swinging Singles”, where she met her husband David Blackburn. They married in 1992 and continued to square dance and enjoy country life in North Salem, IN until David died in 2001. Throughout Mary’s life, animals were her friends. In addition to the spaniels, Mary had an affinity for horses, a love affair that began as a child on her great-aunt Lizzy and uncle Ben’s farm in southern Indiana and continued until the end of her life. She was a charter member of the Red Hat and Purple Chaps Society (Indiana Chapter), an organization of women who discuss women’s and equine issues and learn about horsemanship together. She brought two horses, Jake and Dakota, with her from Indiana when she moved to Alvarado, and continued to ride until very recently. Mary enjoyed the outdoors and was often found in the barn, or working in one of flower or vegetable gardens, the bounty of which she shared with all. Shortly after Mary’s arrival in Texas in 2010, she became a member of the First United Methodist Church of Alvarado, where she found her community. She renewed her passion for singing by joining the church choir, and was active in many aspects of the church’s mission. Mary volunteered at Helping Hands for Jesus and assisted in the Church’s food ministry. She was active in the interdenominational social club, the Get and Goes, and was a smiling face for anyone who came through the doors of the church. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow and Evelyn (Miller) Davison; husbands David Blackburn, and Edward (Ted) Roche; brother Tracey Davison; and daughter, Janet (Roche) Poynter. Mary is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Beverly Roche and Carter Campbell; her grandchildren, Christopher Paul Johnson (Christina), Marisa McRae (Matt), Ethan Roche (Kristin); siblings, Karen Blankenship (Charles), Catherine Maryfield (Jim), Ronald Davison (Sybil) and Charlotte Withrow (Charles); her nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews; and all of her friends here in Texas and around the country. Celebration of life: Saturday, August 19, at First United Methodist Church of Alvarado, 301 S Spears Street, Alvarado, TX. Visitation from 9:30 -10:30, service at 10:30, luncheon immediately following the service. Consecration and distribution of her ashes, August 20, 8:00 PM (sunset), 636 County Road 207, Alvarado, TX. Memorial suggestions: First United Methodist Church of Alvarado, Helping Hands for Jesus in Alvarado, English Springer Rescue America (springerrescue.org), and Forever Freedom Reins Equine Rescue (foreverfreedomreins.org)