Verna Blackmer
Verna Jean “Jeanne” Blackmer, 84, of Hart, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025, surrounded by her children. She was the daughter of Joseph and Beatrice Kapsh and was born on October 21, 1940. Jeanne attended Hart Public Schools, graduating in 1959. That same summer, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert “Bob” Blackmer, on August 29, 1959.
Jeanne devoted her life to her family and community. She and Bob had four children, though they experienced profound loss early on with the passing of their infant son, Joseph, to SIDS in 1961. Despite that sorrow, Jeanne poured her love and energy into raising her family. From a young age, Jeanne was no stranger to hard work. In high school, she waitressed at Katy’s Kitchen. As a wife and mother, she worked on her and Bob’s farm, as a veterinary technician, as Elbridge Township Clerk for two decades, and ultimately retiring at age 73 after 23 years as finance coordinator for the Oceana County Council on Aging.
Jeanne took great pride in creating a warm, welcoming home for her family. A talented seamstress and quilter, she filled her home with care and beauty. Her lifelong love of animals—especially cats and dogs—was evident in her compassion. A curious lifelong reader, she always sought to learn more.
She gave freely to her children and their families, showing her love through acts of service—cooking, babysitting, sewing, cleaning, and driving them to activities. Known for her beautiful smile, warm presence, and natural way with people, she could strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel seen, heard, and at ease.
Jeanne is survived by her children: Carmen (Dennis) Heaney, Michael (Laura) Blackmer, and Susan (Jeffrey) Foster; grandchildren: Jacob (Rebecca) Blackmer, Jessica Blackmer, Mariah Foster, Keagan Foster, Seamus (Becky) Heaney, Meghan (Jake) Werda, Rory Heaney, Natasha (Jacob) Bergmans, and Michaela (Eric) Dennert; and great-grandchildren: Ace, Rex, and Sir Bergmans, Hayes Werda, Lucy and Maeve Dennert, and Coral Blackmer. She was eagerly anticipating the arrival of her youngest great-grandchild, Olive Jean, due this summer.
She is also survived by her sister, Judy Schultz; sister-in-law, Marcia Walsworth; and brother-in-law, Harold Kempker.
Jeanne was preceded in death by: her husband; parents; and infant son, Joseph Robert; sisters, Marie Harrell and LaVerle Crothers; brother, Solomon Hershberger; and in-laws: Robert and Donna Blackmer, Sharon Kempker, Stanley Crothers, Jay Harrell, Winifred Hershberger, Norman Schultz, and Richard Walsworth. She also mourned the earlier loss of several nieces and nephews, including David, Darrel, Donal, and Tony Crothers, as well as Ryan Walsworth and Kari Ward.
Jeanne’s warmth, laughter, and boundless love touched everyone who knew her. She lived fully, loved deeply, and gave selflessly. Her legacy lives on in her family, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she made brighter. Though deeply missed, her spirit remains a guiding light for all who were fortunate enough to call her family or friend.
Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 North 72nd Avenue, Hart. Visitation and luncheon will follow from noon to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Elbridge Township Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions in Jeanne’s memory to the Oceana County Animal Shelter, 2185 West Baseline Road, Shelby, MI 49455. Jeanne was a lifelong advocate for animals, known for her deep compassion and unwavering dedication to their care.
Beacon Cremation and Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
www.beaconfh.com
.png)