Colleen Ann (Redding) Blackburn, 88 years old, of Cutler, left this life on Saturday January 3, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo, IN. She was born on May 4, 1937, to parents Gene and Betty Redding; they later divorced.

Colleen graduated from Tipton High School in 1955. She married Norman Blackburn on February 20, 1959, Burlington, IN, and he survives. They shared 66 years of marriage. She worked as a secretary at Chrysler at the Kokomo plant in the Purchasing Department for 4 years. Later she worked at Rockwell Spring in Logansport. Finally, she worked as a cook at Carroll High School in Flora for twenty years, retiring in 1995. Colleen attended Cutler Presbyterian Church for over sixty. She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and participated in most events there. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, playing the piano, gardening, and she canned the vegetables every year from their garden. She cherished her kids and grandkids.

She is survived by her husband, Norman Blackburn of Flora; children, Brad (Lora) Blackburn of Flora, Cindy McKinley of Kokomo, Mike (Jan) Blackburn of Burnettsville; grandchildren, Chelsy (Nate) Hutchison of West Chester, OH, Darin Blackburn of Lafayette, Rachel (Jared) McDonald of Queen’s Creek, AZ, Devon Chapman of Chicago, IL, Reno (Letie) Gray of Flora, Nick (Jackie) Saylor of Durham, NC, Jake (Jessica) Saylor of Fishers; great-grandchildren, Owen & Olivia Huffer, Aiden Blackburn, Nash & Knox McDonald, Keely Saylor, Brae, Myles and Zane Gray, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Colleen was preceded in death by her brother, David Redding, as well as her father, Gene Redding; mother, Betty Wilson; and step-father, Earl Wilson.

Colleen will be best remembered for the daily journal that she kept throughout her life. When we couldn’t remember when a life event occurred or needed details, it was always there in her journal to jog our memories.

 Many of us will miss her awesome homemade cinnamon rolls, her dinner rolls, and her award-winning cherry pie. Colleen loved to bake and a hot cherry pie could often get her out of the doghouse with her husband. Christmas was the “High Holiday” for Norman and Colleen; it was an annual Christmas tradition for a morning brunch to be served and enjoyed by her family. Between them, they always had a way to make Christmas an extra-special day.

Aside from cooking and baking, Colleen crocheted many an afghan for her children and grandchildren. These will now become precious memories for all who own one. Colleen had an unfailing ability to write thank-you notes (that almost arrived before you even got home) for every kindness or courtesy shown. Faith was an important element in her life and her strong convictions guided her family throughout the course of her life. Her son described her as “The best person to lead the family in the direction they were going.”

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 am to 1 pm Thursday January 8, 2026, at Cutler Presbyterian Church, 40 E. 500 S. Cutler, IN 46920. A funeral service celebrating Colleen’s life will begin 1 pm on Thursday at the church with Rev. Leland “Lee” McReynolds officiating. Burial will follow in Ball Hill Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Colleen’s memory to the Cutler Presbyterian Church. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Neptune Chapel in Burlington has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.