Judith Lee Van Blarcum

Judith Lee Van Blarcum, affectionately known as Judy, of Bristow, Virginia, passed away peacefully at her home at the age of 83 on December 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 23, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, Judy was the daughter of William Danial Wall and Virginia Lee Zamora. Raised in Missouri and Oklahoma, Judy moved frequently during her childhood, following her father's work as a Baptist minister. It was in Kansas City, MO, where she met and married Cecil Leroy Van Blarcum, with whom she would share the next 58 years. Judy's adventurous spirit shone brightly when she took to the skies, becoming a private pilot and later a flight instructor. She also obtained her ground instructor and commercial pilot ratings for both single and multi-engine aircraft, as well as an instrument rating. In 1979, Judy and Cecil moved to Carlisle, Iowa, where they co-founded a flying school with her friend Penny Lurke. While in Iowa, they also built Calvary Baptist Church in Indianola, IA, reflecting their commitment to their faith and community. Judy was also an excellent shot with a shotgun, often enjoying skeet and sporting clays with Cecil. In 1988, they returned to Missouri, settling in Peculiar, where they built their dream home on five acres. At the age of 50, Judy discovered a passion for quilting, becoming an expert quilter and even winning Best in Show at the Missouri State Fair. Judy and Cecil enjoyed travel and visited numerous countries, including China, Morocco, Turkey, Peru, Chile, Mexico, England, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Canada. They also travelled extensively in the United States and visited Yellowstone National Park each autumn. Following Cecil's passing in March 2022, Judy moved to Dunbarton in Bristow, VA where she was welcomed by her neighbors. She formed many new friendships and embraced life, participating in the community’s Bible study group, ping pong, bocce ball, TGIF gatherings, and even trying her hand at pickleball. Her courage and resilience during her journey with ovarian cancer inspired those around her. Judy's warmth, kindness, and adventurous spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love and devotion to her family and friends will continue to inspire everyone she touched. Judy is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Clyde Van Blarcum and Michelle Mifflin of Phoenix, AZ; her daughter and son-in-law, Jerri and Mike Obalde of Nokesville, VA; her cherished granddaughter, Carsyn Van Blarcum of Mesa, AZ; and her sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Marlin Olen of Escondido, CA. A memorial service will be held at Pierce Funeral Home on Thursday, March 5th at 3 PM. Immediately following, a reception with food will be held at her home in Dunbarton, where friends and family are invited to celebrate her remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Judy's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a charity she always supported.

Judith Lee Van Blarcum

August 23, 1942 - December 14, 2025