Judith Ann Blanchard

Judith “Judi” Blanchard, 79, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away on August 4, 2026.

Born in New York, Judi lived a life marked by service, faith, generosity, and a commitment to helping others. She proudly served her country as a Private in the United States Marine Corps. Her service to veterans, however, did not end when she left the Marines.

Judi spent her professional career with the Department of Veterans Affairs, helping fellow veterans secure the benefits they had earned through their service. For Judi, it was more than a career—it was a continuation of a lifetime of service.

Judi was someone you remembered. She was funny, talkative, outspoken, and fiercely independent. Beneath that strong personality was a generous person who readily gave her time and help to others.

Her faith was deeply important to her throughout her life. She also had a special love for German and Belgian Shepherds and found great joy in training and caring for her dogs.

Judi was preceded in death by her father, Lee Winkler, and her mother, Vivian Distasio Winkler.

She is survived by her sister, Joan Dillon, brother in law Darrell Dillon, and her nephew, John Dillon.

Judi leaves behind a legacy of service—to her country, to her fellow veterans, to her family, and to the many people she helped throughout her life. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.