Jean Blair

     Royal Jean Blair, 92, of Chillicothe, passed at 12:51 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026 at Grant Medical Center in Columbus following a brief illness.

     She was born on June 22, 1933, in Parkersburg, WV, to the late William and Mary Rivers Matson. On July 20, 1957, she married John G. Blair, Sr. who passed March 23, 2024.

     Surviving are daughters, M. Elizabeth “Liz” Blair, of Chillicothe and Linda (Todd) Glass, of Lebanon; a son, John (Connie) Blair, Jr., of New Albany; grandchildren, Joseph “Joe” (Emily Smythe) Lautzenhiser, Margaret (Allison Mezzell) Lautzenhiser, Nathan Blair, Nicholas Blair and Christopher (Madison Campbell) Chan; a brother, Bob Matson, Charlottesville, VA; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by sisters, Maxine Matson and Addie Buck, and a brother, Jack Matson.

     She was a 1951 graduate of Chauncey-Dover High School in Athens County. She was nominated by the residents of her hometown of Chauncey to compete in the Miss Parade of the Hills Pageant in Nelsonville, and she was chosen as the 2nd Annual Miss Parade of the Hills Queen in 1951. Jean received a scholarship award of $100, which she used to enroll in Ohio University at Athens. While in college, she enjoyed living with the girls of Court Street Cottage and making friends as a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. Working her way through as a waitress, she graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics.

     Jean was a beautiful dancer and a remarkably creative individual who worked in several mediums but was best known for creating women’s accessories and jewelry made with fine leathers and semi-precious stones. She, along with her husband, were founding members of the Pump House Art Gallery.

     Jean loved sports and was an avid tennis player who played until she was 86 years old. She was a longtime member of Walnut Street United Methodist Church.

     A Celebration of Life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the WARE FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Therese Lehman officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery. Friends may call at the WARE FUNERAL HOME one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Pump House Center for the Arts: c/o Ware Funeral Home – 121 W. Second Street – Chillicothe, Ohio 45601. 

     You may sign her online register at warefh.com

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