Memorial services for Linda Jean Blanchard, Age 80 of Mountain View, Missouri will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, Missouri, with Pastor George Colbert officiating. Visitation will be held from 2-3:00 p.m. prior to the service, also at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made to the ALS Association Mid-America Chapter at 1580 Jewell Ave. Columbia, MO 65203. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
Linda Jean (Squire) Blanchard peacefully met her Heavenly Shepherd on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the age of 80, after a long battle with ASL (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Linda, affectionately known as “Lindy” by her family, was born on September 1, 1944, in Galesburg, Illinois, to Gordon and Shirley Squire. She dedicated her life to her family and her faith in Jesus Christ. She truly lived as a humble servant, guiding all who knew her with unwavering love and Christian values. Her joyful spirit and gentle kindness were a testament to her deep trust in God’s plan. Linda was a member of Chapel Hill Baptist Church, serving as the church secretary, volunteering, and heading so many church functions.
In her life, she worked as a telephone information operator. She also worked as a secretary at Riverways Printing, a parts assembler at Mountain View Fabricating, and served as a bus driver and crossing guard for the Mountain View-Birch Tree School District.
In her spare time, she collected sheep, made jewelry, and crafted spinners, which she shared with so many friends.
A pivotal moment in her life occurred when she began speaking at Al Anon meetings and conventions. She has always seen herself as a tiny, small mouse, but through sharing her story and witnessing her testimony, she found strength in the hope that she gave to her family and so many people, realizing that she was, in fact, a tall giraffe! She was strong and mighty all along. She always opened her heart to others and ministered to their particular needs.
Linda showed so much grace in the face of ALS and was preceded in death by her parents; and her great-nephew, Gordon Turner Meyer. She is survived by her devoted husband Robert Curtis Blanchard of Mountain View, MO; loving daughters, Catherine Richards of West Plains, MO and Christie Richards of Republic, MO; her cherished granddaughters, Cierra Richards and Taia Collins; faithful sister, Sherry Skinner (Wayne) of West Plains, MO; and favorite nieces, Kimberly Norris (Robert) of Mountain View, MO and Heather Blake Meyer (Brian) of Myrtle Beach, SC.
Linda wanted her life to be a witness for the Lord until her last breath. She was full of joy and grace, a true blessing to all who knew her. In the midst of her struggle with ALS, the light of the Lord shone through her, and she finished strongly.
We are grateful to the nurses with Hospice who were so attentive and tender to her with care. We are profoundly appreciative. Thank you.
