Karla L Blackburn age 78 of Longton, KS passed away in the early hours of January 24, 2022 at her home.
Karla was born May 26, 1943 in Winfield to Karl Raymond and Lillian Lucille (Hastings) Kill. Karla and her siblings were raised in the Elk Falls area where she attended school and graduated from Elk Falls High School. She continued her education at where she earned her certificate in cosmetology in Lawrence. Karla worked at the Stevie-Togs Factory in Neodesha, she worked for Elk Valley USD 283 as a custodian, the Powder Puff as a cosmetologist, and many years as a reserve deputy for the Elk County Sheriff’s office, and as a first responder for Elk County EMS. Karla met Roland “Glen” Blackburn and they were united in marriage on August 9, 1975. The couple was blessed with two sons; Tyson and Scott. Karla loved being a mom and her boys were her world. Anytime the boy’s team needed sack lunches or if Glen was out fighting fire Karla put her magical kitchen skills to work and would prepare a feast in no team to make sure the entire time was fed or the entire county fire volunteers. She made some mean dishes and her baked goods are famous around the county. Karla liked fishing, she loved horseback riding, and always enjoyed the shooting range and was one of the better shots on the department. Karla had a heart of gold and was willing to help her entire community wherever and however she was needed, she took many kids in as her own and was always looking out for everybody’s best interest. She did have a mind of her own and never was shy to speak what might be going on in her mind. She was one in a million and a true friend to many.
Karla’s memories will live on with her husband Glen, sons, Tyson Blackburn and Scott Blackburn and his wife Tina, her brothers, Brad Kill and his wife Debbie, and Nick Kill his wife Linda, granddaughters; Cassidy, Kimberly, and Cheyenne, 11 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and a community that was made a better place because Karla called it home.
She now rests with her parents and Nephew Thomas Kill.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 29, 2022 at the Longton United Methodist Church at 10:00am. Burial will immediately follow at Longton Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2022 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the church. The family suggests memorials be made payable to the Longton United Methodist Church and they may be sent in care of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel 2405 Woodland Ave. Coffeyville, KS 67337. To share a memory or to leave the family a message of condolence, please visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com
