On May 29, 2023, Linda Carol Blanchard returned home to her Heavenly Father. She passed away at the age of 76, in the arms of loved ones, in Casa Grande, Arizona. Linda is now at peace in heaven, embracing and teaching beloved family members and friends who preceded her in death.
Linda was born to the late Clarence and Viola Messenger on March 7, 1947, in Washington, Iowa. In her youth, Linda met the love of her life, Warren C. Blanchard. Linda and Warren began each one of their 57 years together with a celebration of the anniversary of their marriage on December 31, 1965, and in 1972 the two of them were sealed together for all of time and eternity in the Manti, Utah, LDS Temple.
Linda is now survived by Warren and their posterity. Together, Linda and Warren raised five children: Yvonne Jessop (Isaac Jessop) of Kimberling City, Msiisouri; Lora Schneider (Bill Schneider) of Page, Arizona; Doug Blanchard (Karianna Ritenour-Blanchard) of Chandler, Arizona; Carol Blanchard of Buhl, Idaho; and Bryce Blanchard (Amber Blanchard) of Minot, North Dakota.
Linda relished her role as grandmother to 16, and she taught them all to live according to Jesus Christ’s perfect example. Linda was also delighted to be called grandma by 10 wonderful great-grandchildren. Left with decades of fond memories are Linda’s 11 nieces and nephews, as well as her two sisters: Barbara Messenger of Grand Junction, Colorado, and Joan Lawson (Charles Lawson) of Divide, Colorado.
Linda treasured the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. As such, she fervently completed temple work, performed acts of service and functioned as a missionary. Linda loved her life on earth, and she happily faced it head-on as she trusted in the Gospel’s promise of eternal life. Linda was a beautiful, composed woman; she was strong, steadfast, thoughtful, wise and kind. She prioritized being self-sufficient, and she was passionate about genealogy and family history, lifelong learning and gardening. Linda was fun-loving, and she thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity she had to travel and experience adventure. She revered nature, she uplifted others and she valued her family. Linda would strive every day to make the world a better place, and she did, just by being in it. Anybody who knew Linda has at least one story to tell about the way she positively influenced their life.
Until we meet her again in Heaven, let us all cherish her memories and be all the things we loved most about Linda Carol Blanchard. A celebration of Linda’s life will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at 11:00 a.m, at 840 West Midway Street, Filer, Idaho, 83328. Flowers, donations and condolences can be sent through Farmer Funeral Services in Buhl Idaho.
