Ann Blackmore (formerly known as Grace Ann), 84, passed away on July 15, 2026, at Spring Arbor in Albemarle, North Carolina. Born on July 1, 1942, in Norfolk, Virginia, Ann was the daughter of George Vernon Blackmore and Grace Wonner Blackmore, who preceded her in death.

Ann graduated from Indiana University's School of Radio, Television & News in 1971 and received an MBA from Seattle’s City University in 1984 where she developed a lifelong love of writing and communication.

Throughout her career, she held positions in radio broadcasting, retail advertising as a copywriter, and college communications.

Later, Ann combined her entrepreneurial spirit with her love of travel by founding a business that specialized in handcrafted tartan dog collars, leashes, and coats. This business took her coast to coast, attending Scottish Highland Games across the country. During travels, Ann faithfully shared adventures through daily journals that delighted family and friends with her observations and storytelling.

One of Ann's greatest passions was genealogy. She devoted years to researching her family's history, traveling throughout the United States as well as England, Scotland, and Ireland to search libraries, courthouses, cemeteries, and historical records. Her dedication culminated in a 150-page family history, Our Hoosier Heritage, which she lovingly shared with relatives during a family reunion in 2002. This work remains a treasured legacy for future generations.

Ann embraced life with enthusiasm and a spirit of adventure. She loved horseback riding, hiking mountain trails, discovering waterfalls, visiting lighthouses, and sharing life's adventures with her cherished labrador retrievers. Above all, she cherished her family. Whether through frequent visits or phone calls, Ann made sure those she loved always knew they were in her thoughts.

Ann is survived by her sisters, Kay Blackmore Allen and her husband, Clark, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; Judy Blackmore Workman and her husband, Tom, of North Conway, New Hampshire; and Bobbi Blackmore of Bloomfield, Indiana. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews and families, Patrick and Dawson Allen, Matt Workman, Elizabeth De Feria, and Krista Lane, as well as ten beloved great-nieces and great-nephews.

A graveside service will be held in Bloomfield, Indiana, Saturday, October 3, at 10 am, Grandview Cemetery.

To honor Ann’s life and the compassionate care she received, memorial gifts may be made to Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 North First Street, Albemarle, North Carolina 28001.