Judy was born and raised on a farm in Kansas, where her love for family, faith, hard work, and the outdoors first took root. She was the first of five children and spent her early years riding horses, cooking, canning, and enjoying the wide‑open spaces of rural life. She attended school at the Apostolic Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse in Concordia, Kansas during her freshman and sophomore years, where she sang in the Triple Trio, played basketball, and rode bicycles around campus. Later, she transferred to Hoxie High School, graduating in 1968. There she continued singing in the choir, participated in Future Homemakers of America, and formed friendships and memories she cherished throughout her life.

Following high school, Judy pursued her passion for caring for others by studying nursing at Dodge City Junior College, where she graduated as an LPN in 1970. She began her medical career in Garden City, Kansas at St. Kathryn’s Hospital on the medical floor, then moved to Topeka in 1971 to work at St. Francis Hospital. Her dedication, compassion, and gift for helping others later led her to a role with Blue Cross & Blue Shield, where she assisted individuals and families with their insurance needs—work she carried out with empathy and professionalism.

In 1976, Judy met the love of her life, Ted, at a local dance club in Topeka. Their connection grew quickly, and together they even enlisted in the Army Medical Reserves to spend more time side by side. They married on May 28, 1977, in Hoxie, Kansas. Judy and Ted began their married life in Topeka, where their daughter Darcy was born in 1978 and their son Brent in 1981. In 1986, the family moved to Colorado, living first in Littleton and then on the western slope before settling in Berthoud in 1990.

Judy’s life was grounded in faith, family, and the joy she found in simple, meaningful moments. She stayed closely connected to her siblings, returning often to Kansas for family reunions, polka dances, and holidays. She never forgot a birthday—no matter how long it had been since she’d seen someone—and people remembered her warmth, kindness, and gentle nature. Everyone who met Judy walked away feeling cared for and valued.

She loved walking the scenic paths of Northern Colorado, especially when accompanied by friends or family. Judy cherished her German heritage and enjoyed visiting historic Kansas sites tied to her ancestors. Her favorite television shows—Wheel of Fortune, Little House on the Prairie, and Gunsmoke—were reminders of her love for tradition and storytelling. Music was another constant in her life; she was always ready with a song, often singing along to her favorite tunes while driving. She adored the beauty of Colorado and explored many of the local attractions that made the state special.

Above all, Judy was a woman of steadfast Christian faith. She prayed daily for the people she loved and lived her life with gratitude, humility, and devotion. Her greatest joy was her family, and she took exceptional care of those around her, offering encouragement, support, and unconditional love.

Judy leaves behind her beloved husband, Ted; her daughter, Darcy Dodge (Ruben Mitre) , of South Jordan, Utah; her son, Brent (Jennifer) Rajewski, of Longmont, Colorado; her siblings; Rex, Karen, Beverly and Mark; Grandchildren, Stella, Kinley, Everley, Colin, Garrett (Audrey) and Carly as well as many extended family members and friends who will forever feel her absence.

Her legacy is one of love, gentleness, compassion, and faith. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.