On September 17, 2011, Judith Ann Rockwell lost her valiant twenty-year war against cancer.
However, her family and friends are facing her passing with peace and joy – confident, just as she was – that her victory over eternal death was won for her in 1967, where, in a little church in Idaho City, Idaho, Judy placed her belief in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. At the age of 72, Judy has gone Home to Heaven to be united with her Savior and reunited with her beloved husband Bill (Rocky).
Judy was born on May 26, 1939 in Silver City, New Mexico the eldest child of Lloyd and Esther Smith. Judy grew up in Silver City with her younger siblings Byron and Enid and graduated from Western High School. In 1958 Judy married William W. Rockwell and for the next 50 years and 8 months they lived, loved, laughed , raised two children – Esther and Clayton, and welcomed a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, four grandchildren and two great -grandchildren into the family!
For the first years of their marriage, in addition to being a homemaker, Judy worked various jobs in order to help Bill get through Forestry School. Upon Bill’s graduation in 1966, the family was stationed in Idaho City, Idaho where Bill began his career as a Forester. The next 30 years found the Rockwell family relocating every 3 or four years as Bill worked his way up the Forest Service ladder. In 1979, their final career move sent the family to Trout Creek, Montana where Bill served as Assistant Forest Ranger until his retirement in 1993.
It was in Trout Creek that Judy’s extraordinary talent for sewing blossomed into an enthusiasm for sewing clothes and winter coats for all her family. One weekend, Judy attended a quilting class and was hooked! She quickly developed a passion for everything related to quilting! From that time forward, Judy was never without at least three quilt projects in progress at any one time! In 1986 Judy turned her family room into the “Country Fabric Store” where she proceeded to share her love for the art of quilting with all her friends. With her amazing eye for color and pattern co-ordination and her unquenchable desire to learn all there was to know about quilting, Judy set her heart and hands to becoming a wonderful and patient quilting teacher.
In 1992, just as Bill and Judy were planning their retirement, Judy was diagnosed with her first round of malignant Breast cancer. As she did with every challenge in her life, Judy took on the battle head on with a strong faith in Jesus, – diligently doing everything possible to beat the disease. Although that battle would ebb and flow over the next twenty years, it never prevented Judy from doing what she loved most – spending time with her family and friends, sewing, and attending and serving faithfully in her church.
Judy is best characterized as a woman of encouragement, comfort, and hope. Judy always found the people who needed her special spiritual gifts. She had the gift of hospitality and she always gave generously of her time, talent, resources, and especially her prayers.
A note that Judy left in her sewing room addressed to her family sums up the hope that she lived by and always tried to convey to others, “Don’t you worry about me. I am going over to Jesus, He’s by my side. I love you all…”
Judith Ann Rockwell was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Esther Smith, and by her husband of 50 years, William Rockwell (Rocky). She is survived by: her daughter, Esther England (Michael) of North Fork, ID; her son Clayton Rockwell (Pam) of Toston, MT; her sister Enid Lang (John) of Springerville, Az; her brother Byron Smith (Latrelle) Silver City, NM; her Grandchildren: Lewis England, Bozeman, MT; Raymond England (Christine), Los Angeles, CA; Sgt. Lael Rockwell, Camp Pendleton, CA; and Caia Salusso (Seth), Toston, MT; her great grandchildren: Titus and Chloe Salusso; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial donations may be made to the following charities: Rocky Rockwell Youth Fund: Broadwater Rod and Gun Club, P.O. Box 641, Townsend, MT 59643; Missions Program Faith Baptist Church, P.O. Box 454, Townsend, Mt 59643; Susan B. Komen Foundation (for Breast Cancer Research), 1066 Helena Ave., Helena, Mt 59601.
Visitation will start on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at Retz Funeral Home Chapel from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Viewing will also be held on Friday, September 23, 2011 at Faith Baptist Church in Townsend, on Jack Farm Rd., from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Faith Baptist Church in Townsend with viewing starting at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will be held at Deep Creek Cemetery after the service. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Judy, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Paul and Tommie Palmer says
Esther and Mike:
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family during these tiring and difficult days. We know you are consoled by the fact that Judy is free of pain and happy with Jesus and Rocky, but there’s something about losing the second parent that hurts deeply.
With our Love,
Paul and Tommie
Sheryl McElravy says
Dear Rockwell Family,
Judy was such a special person. I quilted with her and each time she taught a class I took the class from her – I always learned so much and she was so willing to share her knowledge. We had so many good laughs. One quilt we made was “The Spirit of the Northwoods” and it took me about 9 months to complete. 17 of us started the class and 3 of us finished our quilts – I called it “the quilt from hell” by the time we got it done. But what a treasure – I always think of your mom when I see my quilt. And I have several others that she helped me with. I won’t be able to be at the service for your mom – my mother-in-law passed away yesterday and we are trying to get arrangements made for her. You are all in my thoughts are prayers. Sheryl