Obituary - Judith Irene (Blanchard) Watson

Judith Irene (Blanchard) Watson, born August 5, 1938, in Great Falls, Montana, to Earl and Helen Blanchard of Carter, Montana, passed away Saturday, July 13, 2024, after a long battle of Alzheimer's, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. Judith, known affectionately as Judy, was a beloved wife, mother, foster parent, grandmother, aunt and friend.

Judy grew up with her siblings, Earl, Patricia and Robert, on the Blanchard farmstead north of Carter on the Teton Bench. Judy went to Apple Country School until high school and then went to school in Fort Benton.  The family moved to town during winters months, like many families did due to the hard winters.

When Judy was a freshman, she met the love of her life, Kenneth Leon Watson. Judy's father, Earl, told the two love birds they could not marry until Judy was 18. So, one week after her 18th birthday, August 12, 1956, Judy and Kenny were married at the Methodist Church in Fort Benton.

Kenny and Judy settled in Rudyard in 1964 where they lived for over 40 years and raised their three children; Jackie, James and Barbara. They celebrated 61 wonderful years together until Kenny passed in May 2018.

Judy had many talents, she was a precision seamstress making anything from beautiful wedding dresses, lined winter jackets and all the latest fashions. She spent many hours sewing quilts with friends at church for World Relief.  She was an excellent pianist and played piano and the organ almost every Sunday at the Lutheran Church in Rudyard.

Judy was a caretaker and loving mother, so much that they opened their home to being foster parents where 13 children came to shelter in a loving caring home. A teenage girl, Peggy Landsiedel, held such a special place in their hearts that she became one of their children to this day.

Judy was an amazing cook and often had extra plates set at the table for friends and family. Her motto was, "the coffee is always on." Judy's biggest love went to her three grandchildren, Travis, Nikole and Erin. Judy's memory will live on in the hearts of her family who loved her dearly, she will be greatly missed.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Ken Watson; son, James Watson; parents, Earl and Helen Blanchard; sister Patricia Hatfield, nephew John Blanchard, parents-in-law Leon and Ione Watson; brother-in-law Ron Watson; sister-in-law Leona Moura and husband Ken Moura.

Judy's surviving family include her daughters, Jackie Watson (Russ Twedt), Barbara Wolfe (Don); foster daughter Peggy Acre (Kerry); daughter-in-law, Cheri Watson; grandson, Travis Watson (Tauna); granddaughter Nikole Bonato (Jamin), granddaughter Erin Wolfe (Jared Meyer); brother Earl Blanchard (Marilee), brother Bob Blanchard (Carol), brother-in-law John Watson (Lorainne); brother-in-law Gordon Watson (JoAnn), as well as her many beloved nieces and nephews. Judy's love for her family was beyond compare.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 22nd, 2024, at the Benton Funeral Home in Fort Benton, with burial at the Riverside Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the Club House restaurant at 1:00 p.m.

Memorials donations may be given to the following or charity of your choice.

WELCA, Women of the ELCA any local Lutheran Church

North Star Foundation P.O Box 14 Rudyard, MT 59540

Eastern Star, Bethany Chapter, Fort Benton, MT 59442