SANDRA JUNE BLACKERBY NEAL
Sandra June Blackerby Neal, 80, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 30, 2021. Sandra was born to Helen and Roscoe Blackerby on June 16, 1941, in Herrick Illinois, where she was raised on the family farm. She graduated from Herrick High School in 1959. She married Kenneth Neal on June 5, 1960, in Mattoon, Illinois, and moved to Liberty, in 1964. She worked as a stay-at-home mom until her children entered school. She proceeded to work at Creager’s Dime Store, Heidi Haus Market, Gulley’s Grocery Store, and the Union County National Bank/First Merchants Bank until her retirement. She then devoted her life to caring for her beloved husband, Kenny. She also committed herself to community work, volunteering in the Liberty Grade School’s nurse’s office, serving on the Union County Library Board, and volunteering for numerous Republican Party campaigns and functions.
She is survived by her daughter: Patricia Neal of Richmond; son: Aaron Neal and his wife, Karin Brown; granddaughters and step-granddaughters: Allison Neal, Isabelle Neal, Erin Ashbee, and Anna Brown all of Bloomington; honorary daughter: Elaine Robinson of New Paris, Ohio; sister: Sharon Bolyard and her husband, Jim, of Ramsey, Illinois; brother: Larry Blackerby and his wife, Brenda of La Quinta, California; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; son: Eric Neal; daughter-in-law: Leigh Neal; sister: Nelda Kay Waggoner and husband Ronnie; sister-in-law: Beverly Hutchcraft and husband Ernie; brother-in-law Wayne Neal and wife Janet.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Friends Fellowship for the loving care they extended to Sandra for the last five years. They are also grateful to the Reid Hospice staff for their compassion and care over the past three weeks. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Union County Library, West Point Cemetery, and Union County Food Pantry.
There will be a graveside service at West Point Cemetery for family and friends on July 21, at 10 a.m.
Sandra is in the care of Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home.