Judy Ann Hove Harding – a talented teacher, artist and musician and a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, in-law, aunt and friend – died at home on Saturday, May 27, 2017.
She was born on Nov. 10, 1941, in Wolf Point, Mont., to Irma Alspach Hove and John Hove. She grew up in North Dakota and Montana and graduated from Polson High School in 1959. She started playing the piano and singing as a child and never stopped making music throughout her life.
Judy earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Montana in Missoula in 1963, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and developed friendships that lasted a lifetime. She went on to earn her master’s and doctorate degrees at Montana State University, Bozeman, writing her doctoral thesis on the relationship of music to teaching. Over the years, she also attended intensive language schools, including ones in Montreal, Chicago and France.
Judy met the love of her life, Jay Harding, when she was 14 and he was 16. They married in 1963 and had two children, Jill and John.
Judy devoted her life to education, working primarily in the Helena School District. She began as a French teacher, but expanded to all subjects at kindergarten, elementary, middle school, high school, adult education, adjunct college instruction, and administration levels. In 1979, she was named the Helena Teacher of the Year, but to many of her students, she was “the teacher of a lifetime.”
In the 1970s, Judy became interested in guitar and songwriting while attending summer workshops at Portland State University’s “Haystack” program at Cannon Beach, Ore. She went on to become renowned for her workshops on teaching guitar, especially to people who don’t read music. She taught workshops for college summer programs, for education conferences, and in her home studio, and hundreds of people can strum and pick because of Judy’s enthusiastic and expert instruction.
Judy also was a talented and prolific potter who was active at the Archie Bray Foundation and Helena’s Art Guild. She and Jay have been collectors of Western art and supporters of exhibitions such as the Western Rendezvous of Art and the Holter Gallery. She made bowls annually for the Friendship Center’s annual Empty Bowls benefit in Helena.
As part of the bicentennial celebrations in 1976, Judy, with her family, acted in a Montana travel film which followed the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In 2001, she served as the school teacher in the PBS production of “Frontier House.” She not only played the part of an 1883 school marm but also kept the children on the set up to date on their current education.
Judy served on the Montana Board of Special Olympics, and personally bought and sent annual Christmas gifts to a Montana mission. With her family, she traveled extensively in Europe and Asia as well as North, Central and South America. She particularly enjoyed her time in France, Uruguay and Argentina, and she enjoyed looking at real estate wherever she traveled.
Judy is survived by so many family members and friends who loved her, including her husband, Sheldon Jay Harding of Helena; her daughter, Jill Harding (Ron Phelps) of Helena; her son, John Harding (Lisa Kozleski) of Lethbridge, Alberta; her treasured grandchildren Jack, Katharine, and Olivia Harding of Lethbridge; her sister, Joan Thompson of Ronan, Montana; her sister, Susan Hove-Pabst (Jim Pabst) of Port Angeles, Wash.; and many devoted nieces and nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents as well as her brother, John B. Hove, and a sister, Sandra Hove.
A celebration of the life of Judy Harding will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, at the Montana Historical Society, 225 Roberts St., Helena. We hope you can join us at this informal gathering where friends and family will share stories, music and memories of Judy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Judy’s name to Helena Food Share – Lewis Street Pantry; 1616 Lewis Street, P.O. Box 943, Helena, Mont., 59624. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Judy.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 26, 2017
Montana Historical Society
225 Roberts Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 26, 2017
Montana Historical Society
225 Roberts Street
Helena, Montana 59601
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Christine Casey says
I was sad to learn of the passing of Judy. I taught with her at CRA in the 1980s. She was an outstanding educator and friend. Judy had such a joy and zest for life. When you were in her presence you knew her focus was on you and that she was sincerely interested in what you had to say. She had such a sweet spirit and will be truly missed by many. My prayers are with Jay and family.
Deanna Cain Ziesman says
Jill – I am so sorry for your loss. My prays are with you and your family.
Lisa Goggins says
Jay, John, Jill: I miss her too. She’s magic. I thought there would be a dark spot…right now I cannot imagine not seeing Judy; but she has spread light all over the place. She is all things good. I love you, Lisa from Ronan
Tom Miller says
Our prayers are with Jay and family at this tough time. It was an honor to work with Judy at CRA, an outstanding educator and individual with so much talent in many areas. Judy has had a lasting impact on many families and will be missed by this community.
Love to the Harding family,
Kathy and Tom Miller
Beverly Fox says
Dear Jay, I’m so sad to hear of Judy’s passing,,,So many happy memories playing guitar -first in that big class at Hawthorne school and then at your house. My love to you and John and Jill.
Beverly Fox
Lynn and Tom Campbell says
Dear Jay, Jill and John, so sorry and sad to hear of Judy’s passing! The write up in the paper was incredible! What an incredible lady! I have fond memories when I was young, of babysitting for you and the geat family memories then! May you find the peace you need in this hard time!
flossie shaw says
Jay and Family
Thoughts and prayers to you all and hoping that all the wonderful memories will help soften your grief.
Laird Black says
Jay and family, I have not seen Judy since high school, but I will always remember her as a talented, friendly, beautiful lady. I remember her playing Rapsody in Blue at a school program. She left an indelible impression .
Barb and Tom Albrecht says
Jay and family, We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gwynn Mundinger says
Sympathy to you, Jay, and family.
Our children reacted to Judy’s life story by saying she was one of their favorite and memorable teachers. The community will miss Judy. She was creative, energetic and forward looking.
We won’t forget how she bounded onto the landscape in the PBS series, “Frontier House.”
The Mundinger Family
Mike Griffith says
Jay, Judy’s warm and welcoming smile will always be a fond memory. This world was blessed to have enjoyed the presence of such a rare person.
Marlene Petersen says
Jay, I’m so saddened to learn about Judy’s illness and passing. Seeing the photos herein brought back memories abounding of her genuine love of life. She was part of all that was good.
From here in Kentucky, Larry and I want you and your family to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marlene (Peters) Petersen
Marilou Lewis says
Dear Jay, Jill, and John
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Judy was a wonderful lady and will be missed.
Love peace and prayers, Marilou Lewis
A Theta sister
Kim Buell Clouse says
Jay and Family,
So sad to hear of Judy’s passing. She has been brave for many years, and so has been her beloved family and husband. I have fine thoughts of Judy, even though I did not know her well, of all she accomplished and her grace in doing so. I always believed she was special, delightful, and gifted. She seemed to have strength and insight to a greater purpose, a meaningful purpose. She loved beauty and was a beautiful, kind and giving person.
May you find understanding and peace within your sorrow. My thoughts are with you.
Benjamin & Rachel Fowler says
Dear Harding Family,
My sincerest condolences on Judy’s passing. Judy was my third grade teacher at Hawthorne elementary and one of the best teachers I had there. I remember the piano in the coat room, the guitar and french lessons, the numerous artistic projects. She was an absolutely gifted woman who touched many young lives. I remember the last day of school she took us to her house with the possibility of swimming in the swimming pool, but alas the cold Montana days even in spring prevented us from getting into the pool. She truly was a fantastic and amazing teacher. I’m grateful for her inspiration and examples.
Bloomington, Indiana
Retz Funeral Home says
Dear Jay, Jill, John & Family of Judy Love Harding,
Judy was a light extinguished too early. An inspirational educator and self-motivator, Judy embraced learning and life experiences. I was privileged to know Judy when she moved from North Dakota to Polson, MT. Judy, her late sister, Sandy and I were called upon to sing in front the Lutheran congregation. We often got a case of the giggles. We enjoyed small town high school experiences as member of the PHS Class of ’59, championship sports teams, dances, slumber parties, bonfires, parades, decorating class floats and carnival booths. Judy was a generous and faithful supporter of the PHS Class of ’59 annual scholarship. John and I will miss Judy’s smile and gregarious nature at the next PHS Class of ’59 reunion. Rest in peace, Judy; you missed by many.
John H. & Juli Parker
Sparks, NV.
Evy Burris Sass says
Dear Jay & All of Judy’s Loved Ones, My Sincere condolences to you. All the written memories of Judy are of her being so fondly remembered. She will truly be missed. I’m very sorry for your loss. I remember some fun times we had many years ago. Evy Burris Sass
Pat Johnson says
I taught with Judy at Capital High School and found her a talented colleague who brought a cheerfulness to all she did. Although we were not well acquainted, she held my respect and the news of her passing made me sad. All my best wishes to her family as they learn to live without her presence. Pat Johnson
Dave and Connie Goodman says
Dear Jay and Family:
Dave and are are heartbroken to hear of Judy’s passing. I loved her the moment I met her there on the Capital grounds when we got married. We love you both so very much. You are Dave’s most fond memory of childhood in MT. The wonderful photo we took of you and Judy displaying the beloved Charlie Russell piece is priceless.. What wonderful memories, along with playing that darn video poker game and laughing until we cried. God Bless you and your wonderful family. Send TEXAS SIZE hugs and much love.
Dave and Connie Goodman
Marilyn Wareberg Hjerpe Fuhr says
Dear Jay and family,
Those Hove sisters were a significant part of my life in Polson. They were all family! Although It was Sandy and I as best pals, Judy was a great friend , too. She often accompanied us on our escapades! Unfortunately, all of my ties with the family ended with Sandy’s death but as I read of Judy’s tremendous accomplishments through the years I am not surprised. Judy was a talented, terrific gal even in her early years.
May all of your memories of Judy comfort you and bring you peace.
Connie anderson says
I believe Judy’s enjoyment of life endeared her to everyone who met her. She will always be a bright spark in my memories.
Donna Turcott says
Dear Jay, Jill, John and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Judy was a friend and an amazing role model. She showed us by example how to be better in so many ways. May that be her legacy.
My sincere hope for you is to find peace in the memories.
Sharon Holmquist Mercado Peterson says
Dear Jay and Family, So sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. She was a remarkable woman who will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Sharon Holmquist Peterson
Betty D says
I am so sorry for your loss. May the words of our loving heavenly Father bring your family comfort and strength during this most difficult time as He promises to bring our loved ones back to life in a perfect world where there will be no more suffering or death (John 5:28-29 & Revelation 21:4).
Nancy Foley Young says
To the family of Judy A. Harding. My family sends their deepest sympathy to you. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to you. Isaiah 25:8.
Thea Swenson says
To Jay and family. I extend deepest sympathy. Judy was a great lady and always had a good outlook on life. She will be missed.