Judy Jean Burkdoll

Judy Jean Burkdoll was born Judy Jean Blunt February 26, 1939 in Visalia, California to the parents Albert and Veva Blunt. Judy unexpectedly passed away on Friday, December 16th, 2016 after attending her Granddaughter’s Police Academy graduation in Fresno.

Judy grew up in Visalia on her family ranch and attended Visalia schools, College of the Sequoias and then went on to Fresno State University where she obtained her teaching credentials and follow in her mother’s footsteps. It was at COS that Judy first met James (Corky) Burkdoll, from Orosi. It was after they both graduated from Fresno State with teaching credentials that she married James Burkdoll and relocated to Dinuba. It was there that Judy began her teaching career as a substitute teacher and then became a full time 2nd grade teacher at Wilson elementary school for many years.

Judy spent winters teaching and summers at their cabin in Big Meadows (Sequoia Nat’l Forest). Judy was known for her hospitality and never ending cookies and coffee. Judy never met a stranger and was known for her kindness and compassion for others. She was an exceptional wife, mother and grandmother.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Veva Blunt of Visalia, two half-brothers Albert and Ernie Blunt both of Bishop, California. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, James Burkdoll, her three children James Todd Burkdoll, Nathan Brett Burkdoll, and Keri Lea Cochran along with 7 grandchildren, Mieka Cochran, Daniel Burkdoll, AJ Burkdoll, Katriya Burkdoll, Alli Cochran, Jacob Burkdoll, and Marisa Burkdoll. A sister Linda Torres and her children.

A memorial service will be held at Dinuba First Baptist Church on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 11 am.