Loretta Jean Blankenship Ahart Fudge,74 of Bethalto, Illinois, was born May 28,1949, in Bolivar, MO, to William Earl (Bud) Blankenship and Betty Jean (Barker) Blankenship and peacefully passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2024, in Bethalto, IL with her loving husband by her side.  She attended Bolivar High School in Bolivar, MO, and remained in Bolivar working locally at multiple service, retail, and manufacturing businesses. Being a stay-at-home Mom was her ideal vocation, raising her two sons and one stepson. 

      She met and married William (Winky) Ahart in 1968 in Bolivar. The couple was blessed with two boys. The eldest being William Eugene (Gene) Ahart. The marriage ended. She enjoyed bowling and competed in a local traveling league.  She bowled in many tournaments in several cities and states. She liked traveling so the leagues trips were perfect for her. After a courtship with her friend Rick Fudge. They married on April Fool’s Day   1997, on the beach in the Bahamas. They moved to Illinois, where they reside to the present. She will be laid to rest in (Greenwood Cemetery) Bolivar, MO.

      She is proceeded in death by her parents Earl and Betty Blankenship of Bolivar.

      She is survived by her husband Rick Fudge of Bethalto, IL; Her eldest son, Gene Ahart (Michelle) of Bolivar, MO.; Stepson Scott Fudge of Rolla, Mo.; Sister, Velma Tollette (Earl) of Wagoner, OK; sister Rebecca Kieckbush (Bud) of Biloxi, Mississippi; brothers: Perry Blankenship of Independence, MO, Leslie “Lee” Blankenship of Independence, MO, and Earl Blankenship (Dodie) of Bolivar, MO; Along with numerous Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

      Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, January 29, 2024, at Greenwood Cemetery with Pastor Rod Campbell officiating.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Pitts Chapel Bolivar, MO.