Judy Gardner

Judy Gardner, age 95, passed away on September 20, 2026.

Born on April 9, 1931, in Manila, Arkansas, Judy lived a life marked by strength, love, faith, and creativity. She was raised in a warm, caring, and deeply religious home, where Southern Baptist faith and the values of kindness, thoughtfulness, and compassion helped shape the woman she became.

Judy was known for her strong will, her spirited personality, and her unwavering devotion to her family. She was a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose love reached through generations. She was the proud grandmother of four, great-grandmother of fourteen, and great-great-grandmother of two. Her family meant everything to her, and she was always there for anyone who needed her.

She worked hard throughout her life, including time spent working in a clothing factory, a shoe factory, and other industrial work. No matter where life took her, Judy remained strong, dependable, and quietly loyal. If you told Judy something in confidence, it stayed with her — she was known for being tight-lipped and trustworthy.

Judy had a vibrant personality and was often described as a “spicy lady” who was always fun to be around. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a memorable spark. One favorite family story recalls how, as a young girl walking to school with her siblings, a boy would throw rocks and hit her heels. After warning him to stop, Judy finally had enough and “tore into him,” later joking, “I guess I was a wildcat!”

A gifted and talented crafter, Judy especially loved making Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, finger puppets, and many other handmade creations. Her creativity brought joy to those around her and was one of the many ways she expressed her love. She also enjoyed bingo, coffee, the color pink, her signature pink nail polish, and simple favorites like Jimmy Dean biscuits and cheese.

Judy was preceded in death by her father, H.T. Chapin in 1982; her mother, Lillian Chapin in 1996; her son, Danny Broglin in 1997; her brother James (Sonny) Chapin; her husband of over 50 years, Jathern Gardner in 2018; her grandson, Cody Dahlquist in 2021; and her sisters Lovina Clark in 2023 and Nellie Fain in 2025.

She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Nozicka; her brother, Jim Chapin of Tennessee; four grandchildren: Brian Boglin, Eric Boglin, Sonya (Jami) Allmon, and Jathern (Violet) Pipkins; her fourteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many other family members and loved ones who will cherish her memory for years to come.

Judy will be remembered as the best mom ever, a woman of faith, strength, humor, and heart. Her legacy of love, resilience, and devotion to family will live on in all who knew and loved her.