Judy Ann (Hall) Blankenship

Judy Ann (Hall) Blankenship, 71, born in Indianapolis to William V (Billy) and Margaret Elizabeth (Betty) Hall, passed peacefully on Sunday February 16, 2020. Judy lived in Carmel most of her life and moved to Fishers in 2001. As a girl, Judy enjoyed records, movies, and traveling with family and friends. In her teens, she began working as a babysitter and nanny. The day after graduating from Carmel High School (’66) with a business certificate, Judy began a secretarial job with Prudential Insurance. Professionally, Judy held executive secretarial positions, taught in preschools, owned her own in-home daycare for two decades, and enjoyed her work in retail collectable shops. Judy’s work ethic and attitude were often rewarded with managerial positions.

While out with friends on evening, Judy took a chance on a straight-talking gentleman named Mike Blankenship. The two hit it off and were married in her aunt’s garden, August 1, 1976. The newlyweds became foster parents in hopes of adopting children and starting a family of their own. First came Pamela Sue. Then Stephen Gabriel. Lastly, Alisha Noel. Judy and Mike knew that their family was complete with the addition of this final little one.

After full days of caring for other families most precious blessings, Judy turned her attentions to supporting the needs of each of her children in their many adventures. Traveling to and from tutoring sessions, dance classes, music lessons, and Tae Kwando was just the tip of the iceberg. Giving of her time and talents was a rewarding way to help. Judy sewed costumes and props, did hair and makeup for recitals, and worked countless fundraisers. This was all in preparation for the shows and competitions that she attended to cheer on her children. She was the proofreader and homework checker. She was filled with ideas for school projects and how to make them bigger and better.

In these later years, Judy continued to server her family and her community. She was an active member in her church. Finding great joy in helping with membership classes, bake sales, and Thanksgiving and Christmas ministries. The only job she enjoyed more than being a mother was being a grandmother. Coloring and crafting, reading books, playing games, and of course flashcards with her growing grandchildren was the highlight of these new days. Judy also took great pride in caring for her husband during his two battles with cancer. She was the note keeper, scheduler, and researcher. Always striving to give him a chance to beat the cancer and feel as well as possible.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Billy and Betty Hall, husband of 42 years, Mike Blankenship, and brother, Larry Hall.

Judy’s love will live on through: daughters, Pamela (Blankenship) Miller (Tim) and Alisha Blankenship (Thomas Witman); son, Stephen Blankenship (Sara); grandchildren, Sabrina Blankenship, Savannah Blankenship, and Luke Miller; brothers-in-law, John Blankenship and David Blankenship (Kristen), nephews, Camron Blankenship, Dustin Blankenship, Sam Blankenship, Zach Blankenship, and Kyle Hall (Ashlea Bedell); niece, Katie (Hall) Reiter (Dane); sister-in-law, Deb (Freeman) Hall; cousins, Patty Byers Waller and John Byers.

Please join family in celebrating her life and nurturing each other at Indiana Funeral Care in Castleton on Saturday, March 7th, at 10:30 with a service at 11:30. A reception will follow at Wolfies in Noblesville on Hague Rd, and all are invited to attend.