Died December 17, 2020.
Ogden High School, Ogden, UT
Special Education
With profound sadness we announce the passing of Judy, our loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, twin, family and friend. Judy tragically died of complications from COVID-19 on Thursday, December 17, 2020.
Judy will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Dee Nye; sons: Michael Berlin, Quincy (Baylee) Nye; stepdaughters: Laci Butterfield, Stevie (Becky) Petersen, Randee Nye, Rachell Nye; grandchildren: Daeden, Koda, Evan, Ryan, Ryder, Makhi, and Trey; siblings: Kim (Richard) Morrison, Josie (Steve) Wankier, Robb (Angie) Judkins, Jan (Paul-deceased) Walters; 15 nieces and 9 nephews; In-laws, Gary and Susan Nye, as well as numerous family and friends. Her cat, Annabelle and cherished dog, Lilee will never know a love greater than Judy’s.
She is preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law, Tammi (Brent) Field.
Judy was born on July 27, 1962 to Bonnie Jean Howard and Joseph Eugene Judkins. During her school years, Judy was set for a career in dance. She was a truly talented ballerina. She started dancing at age 8 and went on to become a member of the Junior Ballet West Company. She danced in numerous productions including Ballet West’s Nutcracker and the Opera, Aida. Judy’s young diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes may have changed her path in dance, but not her passion for life.
She found her passion and true calling when she began working in the Special Education Department for the Ogden School District in 1992. She cared deeply for her students and worked relentlessly to ensure all her students had equal opportunities for success. She loved her peers and faculty in her current position at Ogden High School.
Judy was always looking for new learning experiences. She continued with her higher education. Her interests never waived from her student population, but just in a different direction with her second job with Reliance, an employment agency for adults with disabilities. Her advocacy for the underserved, was one of her greatest qualities. She will be missed by all her students and clients.
Judy was a peacemaker and someone who was so sensitive that she could actually feel the pain or suffering of another. This gift compelled her to continually give of herself unselfishly. The people closest to her knew the blessing of having Judy in their lives and will forever be grateful.
Because Judy so often tried to help others, she found herself in situations when she became “Dick Tracy”. She seemed to thrive on solving the mystery or problem. Her latest sleuthing involved a 5 1/2-month search for her stolen dog, Lilee. With her drive and convincing nature, Judy had retired cops and county sheriff’s taking her dog chase to a new level.
Family was everything to Judy. She was always thinking about the children. Her kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, and neighborhood children. Whenever kids visited, Judy had some activity or prize ready. Judy never missed a chance to spoil her precious grandbabies. She cherished the countless camping trips, holiday parties, bonfires, and absolutely adored her dates nights with Dee. Everything she posted on social media was about her love and gratitude of her family and all those special occasions with them.
Gardening was a joy for Judy. She cherished her roses and enjoyed planting favorite flowers for her yearly hummingbird visitors. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Judy. She loved sitting on her deck, watching the birds, and play with her pets. Her newest joy and pleasure was huggin’ and a squeezin’ her newest grandbaby, Trey. She had an uncanny ability to find happiness in her daily activities. Her pleasant personality was contagious to everyone she met.
Judy’s latest and greatest passion was quilting. She worked diligently, took classes, and ended up creating some of the most beautiful quilts people have ever seen. She generously gave them away as gifts, along with her many other creative crafts.
Judy lived a full life as a wonderful mother, wife, and worker. Most of all she loved her family and instilled in her sons strong values that have served them well. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.
We will never get over losing Judy, but her sweet soul, love, and memories will live vicariously through her loved ones forever.
A private family viewing will take place on Wednesday, December 23, from 12:00 – 1:15 PM at Heritage Park Ward Church located at 250 North 1500 West, Ogden, Utah. Extended family and friends may watch the service on Judy’s obituary at Myers Mortuary website www.myers-mortuary.com at 2:00 PM.
A private burial service will be held at Washington Heights Memorial Park located at 4500 Washington Blvd. Ogden, Utah at 2:00 PM. An open mic to share memories will be available at the graveside.
In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to American First Credit Union. Judy Nye Memorial Account number # 9118647.