The people born between 1901 and 1927 are called "The Greatest Generation." They would experience "The Great Depression" 1929-1941 and World War II, 1941-1945 in a sixteen-year period of time.

Regina Marie Blackburn was born in the family farm home near Conway, OK on May 14, 1919, to parents J. Olney "Blue" and Myrtle J. Blackburn. Grandmother Cornelia Mayer delivered all four of the Blackburn children, Josephine, Regina, Betty and J.B. "Bud." Cornelia is listed on the original Dawes Roll for the five tribes. Cornelia and Myrtle are listed as Chickasaw.

Regina enjoyed being outdoors. There were farm chores, as well as squirrel hunting with her dad, and, of course, fishing. They had cattle and preserved food from their vegetable garden.

Regina was about 10 at the beginning of the Great Depression, which would last until 1941. Even though daily living was difficult and nothing was to be wasted, life events continued. In January of 1938, Regina Marie Blackburn married Robert "Bob" V. Sarrett during her senior year of high school. She finished high school and they lived in Ada. She learned to sew to earn money, and they grew a garden and sold the excess. Bob and Regina's favorite sport was fishing.

In 1939 war began in Europe and life would take a difficult turn which would challenge and tear holes in the family. America was committed in 1941 to the war. In 1945, the last year of the war, the family suffered the loss of her brother, "Bud" and Josephine's husband, "Red" within three months of each other. Regina's husband Bob became a communications officer in the Army, and he was deployed to Hawaii and Japan. He just missed being involved in combat.

In 1946, Bob began working for the Southwestern Bell telephone company. On January 31, 1947, Bob and Regina welcomed the birth of Roberta Jean "Jeanne" Sarrett. On September 5, 1955, Suzy Lynn Sarrett was born. She had big beautiful eyes with long lashes. The family lived in Ardmore, Paul's Valley, Midwest City, and Dell City. Bob had been promoted to senior engineer with the telephone company, and in 1965, the family moved to Norman. Bob died on February 9, 1968. After thirty years of marriage, Regina was a widow with two daughters.

Regina then sought employment and worked several years in the Oklahoma University Student Food Service. She remained a lifelong fan of Sooner Football and Basketball. She became a mother-in-law, June 26, 1971, when Jeanne married Ernie Woodruff in Norman. Regina became a proud grandmother, October 5, 1972 with the birth of Melissa R. Woodruff and on July 25, 1974 with the birth of Pamela K. Woodruff.

On June 21, 1978, Regina Marie Sarrett married Ancel Sales and moved from Norman to Moore, OK. In this marriage she gained two stepdaughters, Sheila Sales and Faun Fees. Ancel, who was an avid golfer, taught Regina to play when she was in her sixties. When asked about her progress, he would say, "she's pretty good."

Sadly, in 1985 at the age of 29, Suzy Lynn Sarrett died. In 1991 granddaughter Melissa married George Wallace. Great grandson, Calvin, was born in 1994 and great granddaughter Serena was born in 1997.

After 20 years of marriage, Ancel Sales died in 1998, and she remained a widow the rest of her life. In 1999, Great grandson Alan Wallace was born. In 2002, granddaughter Pamela married Timothy Evans. In 2005, great granddaughter Laura Evans was born and in 2007, great grandson Isaac Wallace was born followed by great granddaughter Marianne Evans in 2008.

From the time of their father's death, stepdaughters Faun Fees and Sheila Sales lovingly cared for Regina. In 2012, Regina's daughter Jeanne and her husband Ernie retired to a home in Ardmore to be closer to family and took Regina into their home at age 93. She lived with them until her death on August 13, 2021 at the age of 102 years and three months. She was a member of the McClish Avenue Church of Christ, and she attended worship services until July 25, 2021.

Regina is survived by her daughter Jeanne and son-in-law, Ernie; Granddaughter, Melissa Wallace and husband, George Wallace and their children Calvin, Serena, Alan, and Isaac; Granddaughter Pamela Evans and husband Timothy Evans and their children, Laura and Marianne; Two nephews Lee and Phil Murray; two stepdaughters and their families.

A multitude of thanks to the Cross Timbers Hospice team for making a difficult time a peaceful transition.