Judy Rae Blankenbeker Higginbotham Miebach, 83, of Marshall, IL passed away at 8:10 PM on Friday May 15, 2026 in the comfort of her home. She was born August 12, 1942 at her home in Johnson Twp., Clark County, IL, the daughter of Freddie Edgar "Ed" and Fay Fanchion Chapman Blankenbeker, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by the father of her children, Gene Higginbotham, in 2020 and her second husband, Robert Charles Miebach, in 2011 who she married August 2, 1986. Judy was preceded in death by her six siblings, Wilma Smitley, Dica Kerr, Velda Cannon, Treva Beals, Gail Blankenbeker, and Cleon Blankenbeker. During her working career she was employed at TRW, as well as bartending, detailing cars, and working as a gas station attendant. Surviving are two sons, Tony (Julie) Higginbotham of Martinsville, IL and Randy (Julie) Higginbotham of Marshall, IL; grandchildren, Joshua (Tiffani) Higginbotham, Brooke (Erin) Murphy, Reese (Abbie) Higginbotham, and Paige (Jordan Richardson) Higginbotham and great grandchildren, Kinley Higginbotham, Reagan Higginbotham, Easton Higginbotham, Nash Higginbotham and Arlo Murphy as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Judy was a 1960 graduate of Casey High School and was inducted into the Illinois Softball Hall of Fame in 2012. She had played softball for the Culverettes, Comanche’s and Stingers. While playing for the Stingers, the team won the State Championship in 1980. She also loved to play Euchre and bowling and was awarded a trophy for a 300 game. Visitation will be 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Wednesday , May 20th at Pearce Funeral Home with a service in her memory at 6:00 PM. Family and friends will be able to share stories in memory of Judy at that time. Private burial will be in the Wesley Chapel Cemetery, rural Clark County, IL. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Softball Hall of Fame in Casey, IL. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralservicescom. You