Blackburn, Barbara,79, died on July 23, 2017. She was born on August 6, 1937 in Joliet, Illinois to the late James Harvey and Lucile (Slack) Blackburn. Barbara was a graduate of Presentation Academy and the University of Louisville, where she earned bachelors and masters degrees. She was a dedicated teacher of writing and taught at five institutions: the University of Louisville, Midway University, Kentucky State University, Jefferson Community and Technical College, and the Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women. Barbara was a talented artist whose creativity was expressed in painting, poetry, and fiction writing. She enjoyed reading, experiencing the natural world, and traveling; especially to Alaska and Canada. She spent many happy hours with her children, grandchildren, and her partner Joe. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Nancy Lennon; and former husband Frank Metzmeier.She is survived by six children, Jeannette Wolf (Jeff), Jeffrey Metzmeier (Becky), John Metzmeier (Gina), Kurt Metzmeier (Beth), Lythia Metzmeier, and Theodore Metzmeier; eight grandchildren, Zachary Wolf (Anna), Nicholas Wolf, Cassie Wolf, Jacob Wolf, Lily Metzmeier, Ella Metzmeier, Johnathan Metzmeier, and Jordan Metzmeier; one great grandson, Odin Atlas Bryant. Other survivors include her loving partner Joseph Petrosko; nieces, Sondra Raab, and Pamela Huseby; and several cousins, including James Slack and Janice Short. Memorial visitations will be held on Thursday, July 27 from 3 - 7 p.m. and Friday from 12 - 4 p.m. at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road. Memorial services will be held on Friday, July 28th at 4:00 p.m. at Highlands.Barbara's family would like to give thanks to the physicians, nurses, and other staff affiliated with Baptist Health Hospital, Baptist Health Home Care, and Hosparus of Louisville.