Kathy Ann Blackwell, 79, passed away peacefully on March 6th, 2026. She was born October 28th, 1946, in Washington, Missouri to Carl Eugene Sparks and Dorothy Mae James. She was united in marriage to Donald R Blackwell on November 4th, 1977, in Washington. She retired as a jeweler after 25 years.

While she was known for her sweet and kind nature. She also possessed a fiercely strong will that served her well for many years.

To Kathy, food was her love language. She spent countless hours in the kitchen preparing snacks, meals, and amazing desserts as a way to let everyone know she loved and cared for them. She was legendary for her recipes.

Above all, Kathy lived for her people, beyond her family, Kathy's heart was defined by her incredible loyalty. She was a best friend to many, maintaining deep, decades-long bonds with a close-knit group of friends, some for 50 plus years. Whether it was a daily check-in or a long weekly catch-up, Kathy's phone was always busy, and her door was always open. She was never happier than when her home was full of noise and laughter of her family and friends.

Her greatest pride and joy was her husband, her daughters, and her grandchildren, Kathy was a deeply loving and a devoted wife, providing a foundation of strength and partnership which anchored her family. Nothing made her happier than being a grandma, and her grandchildren will forever remember the abundance of love she poured into their lives every single day.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Donald R Blackwell, her grandparents, Eugene and Lottie Sparks and Lena and Edwin Lough, her parents, Carl Eugene Sparks and Dorothy James, her brothers; Ronald, Rick (Tammy) Sparks, Doug Sparks, and Eric James, all of St. Clair.  Her brother-in-law; Larry Missey and her niece; Stacie (Missey) of Union, and many special aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

She is survived by her sister, Delorse Missey, of Union; five daughters; Lisa Hodson and husband Tim of Summerville, AL, Regina Wright, and fiancé Greg Gibbons of Washington, Christy Smith and Fiancé Joe Garofalo of Maryland Heights, Terri and Eugene Risner of St. Peters, and Traci Allen, Pea Ridge, Ark.; twelve grandchildren, Alexis Tucker, Katelyn (Alex) Brakeman, Andrew (Brooke) Hampton, Nick Hampton and fiancé Cynthia Johnson, Tanner Wright, Jack (Aubrie) Hampton, Anna Wright, Cayden Hampton, Joey and Riley Garofalo, Mathew (Nicole) Blackwell, Kris ( Anna) Risner; six great-grandchildren, Era, Abigal, Ellee, Henslee, Braxton, Claire, and many others family and friends.

She was dearly loved and will be missed by all that knew and loved her.

Memorial Donations can be made to Franklin County Humane Society.

Obituary provided by family.