Erma Ruth Hayre Blackburn entered the pearly gates with Jesus on August 1, 2025. Erma was born in Gravette, AR, on April 24, 1928, and she graduated from Gravette High School in 1946. She married Walter Hayre on March 31, 1947, and the two moved to the Kansas City area to start and raise their family. During her life, Erma worked at the Nazarene Publishing House, Kansas City Public Schools, and Decatur Public Schools.

Erma was an active member of Fairview Baptist Church in Kansas City, KS, and loved helping with all church activities, as well as building projects. After moving back to Northwest Arkansas in 1986, she and Walter joined First Baptist Church of Centerton, eventually transferring to and helping plant Hiwasse First Baptist Church, where she remained an active member for the rest of her life. She truly enjoyed watching her church grow and expand over the years, rarely missing a Sunday or the opportunity to worship God. Erma built deep friendships that lasted a lifetime, both inside and outside of church, wherever she lived.

Erma and Walter were happily married for 55 years. After Walter's passing in 2003, she married Kenneth Blackburn of Kimberling City, MO. Erma and Kenneth were married for 14 years, splitting their time between Kenneth's home in Kimberling City and Erma's home in Centerton, where she lived until her passing.

She was preceded in her journey to Heaven by her parents, Erva and Mary Smith; her beloved husband, Walter Hayre; sisters, Mabel Jordan and Hazel Cash; brother, Houston Smith; and loving second husband, Kenneth Blackburn.

Her surviving children are Lynda Kittle (Michael), Patricia Walker (Buddy–deceased), Mark Hayre (Karel). Her surviving grandchildren are Joseph Walker (Alyssa), Rachel Gatewood (Matthew), Krystal Jordan (Jarad), Kevin Hayre (Ashley), Bret Kittle (May), and Beth Weeks (Cody). Her surviving great-grandchildren are Mason Bridges Walker, Denver and Dawson Jordan, Fletcher and Finley Hayre, Kimberly and Bhodisett Kittle, Allie Ruth and Josie Weeks.

Her surviving stepchildren are David Blackburn, Kenneth Blackburn (Eileen), Janice Musson (John-deceased), and Steve Blackburn (Dee).  Her surviving step-grandchildren are Michael Hoffman (Jen), Jeremy Hoffman (Cheryl), Heather Murphy (Bill), Kaitlyn Schuberth, Craig Blackburn (Heather), Brady Blackburn (Kaitlyn), Bethany Blackburn, and Adrienne Devine. Her surviving step great-grandchildren are Chloe and Riley Hoffman, Amanda Murphy, Brianna, Alyssa, and Emma Hoffman.

Erma loved the Lord and was eager to share her faith with everyone she came into contact with. At each church where Erma belonged, she worked in the nursery. Her love for small children, serving dinners, hosting visiting pastors and missionaries was the ministry she devoted her life to. All who knew Erma will greatly miss her hugs, smiles, laughter, and cooking.  Foremost in her desires was her Love of God, sharing about the love of Jesus, and encouraging others to follow Him with all their hearts.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 5, from 6–7:30 PM at the Bella Vista Funeral Home, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, AR  72715. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Hiwasse First Baptist Church, 13512 West Highway 72, Hiwasse, AR 72739, with Ron Jordan, her nephew, officiating.  Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Gravette, AR.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to Gideon Memorial Bibles (Gideon's International, P.O. Box 344, Kimberling City, MO  65680) or the Building Fund at Hiwasse First Baptist Church (13512 West Highway 72, Hiwasse, AR 72739).

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.