Judith "Judy" Ann (Helmstetter) Warden

Judith “Judy” Helmstetter Warden, 83, of Spartanburg, SC, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, determination, and unwavering love for her family, friends, and community.

Born Judith Ann Helmstetter, September 27, 1942, at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, NJ, to George Helmstetter and Catherine Fitch Helmstetter. In 1960, Judy graduated from Perrysburg High School, Perrysburg, OH. Driven by her passion to serve and help others, she attended Capital University in Columbus, OH, where she graduated in 1964, obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Upon graduation, she attended Officer Candidate School in New Port, RI, where she was commissioned as an ensign in the US Navy Nurse Corps as a Registered Nurse. While in the US Naval Service, she was assigned to St. Albans Naval Hospital and was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant after 4 years of active duty.

During her time in the Navy, she met and cared for a wounded Vietnam soldier, Captain David Todd Warden II of the United States Marine Corps. The two married in Sandwich, MA, in a lovely summer wedding surrounded by friends and family. The two had a lifetime of love and adventure with a marriage that lasted 47 years until his passing.

Judy traveled the world, living life to the fullest. She made countless memories and lifelong friends throughout her journey. She lived in Saudi Arabia for close to 10 years due to her husband’s job with Mobil Oil Corporation. Judy’s greatest and most loving adventure was the adoption of two children, Katherine Allison Warden and David Todd Warden III.  She will be remembered for her warm, loving, and generous spirit.  Judy dedicated her life to her family and was always there for her children, and was immensely proud of her daughter, son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons. Her life was a testament to the idea that love is the greatest gift.

Judy also loved any opportunity to entertain and host. She enjoyed activities with friends, such as book club, garden club, and playing cards. Judy was a devoted member of Tryon Presbyterian Church.

Volunteering was also her passion. Throughout her life she volunteered tirelessly at: Wilton CT Historical Society, Wilton Garden Club, Wilton HS PTA Council, Girl Scouts, American Ladies of Jeddah Board, Mobil Wives Club Board, Virginia Run Garden Club, American University of Women’s Club Board,  Green Blades Garden Club Board, Tryon Questor’s Club Board, Tryon Fine Arts Center Board, and the Second Wind Hall of Fame Board.

Judy is survived by her son David “Todd” Warden III (wife Anna Marie Warden), grandsons Davis Tyler Warden and Andrew Mason Warden of Travelers Rest, SC; brothers, Donald George Helmstetter (wife Terry Helmstetter) of Eloy, Arizona; Stephen Fitch Helmstetter (wife Kathy Helmstetter) of St Paul, MN; and David Dyer Helmstetter (husband Joel Steinberg) of Phoenix, AZ.

In addition to her husband, David, she is predeceased by her parents, George Helmstetter and Catherine Fitch Helmstetter; her daughter, Katherine Allison Warden; and her grandson, David Logan Warden.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Petty Funeral Home in Landrum, SC. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Tryon Presbyterian Church in Tryon, NC, at 11:00 am with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at stjude.org, 800-805-5856, or 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Judith "Judy" Ann (Helmstetter) Warden, please visit our floral store.