Judith Ann Ketterling

 God welcomed Judy to her eternal home, on January 15, 2024, with her 3 daughters by her side. Her love and light will be missed, and we find solace in knowing she is riding her horse in greener pastures.

 Judy was born at home to Elmer and Beulah Damstrom on January 22, 1941 in Westhope, North Dakota. She grew up as an only child on the family farm outside of Westhope where she spent many hours riding her horse in the coulees, gathering eggs that her mother sold to neighbors (from chickens she was afraid of) and riding the mail route with her grandpa. From a young age she was an avid reader. Judy earned a degree in Education from Minot State Teachers College.

 Judy was working at the Red Rooster drive-in in Westhope, where she was swept off her feet by a dark haired, blued eyed man in a slick black car. She married Roman on July 6, 1962 on her parents farm and they celebrated 61 years together before her passing.

 Judy and Roman moved to Sunburst, Montana with their two daughters, Karla and Kristi, in 1966. They later welcomed their third daughter Tricia. In Sunburst, Judy substitute taught and owned J & K Crafts with her best friend Kay, a natural extension of her love of sewing, quilting and crafting. She and her family moved to Conrad, Montana in 1975. In Conrad, Judy worked in education, as a substitute teacher and then as the secretary at Meadowlark Elementary School. She spent over 30 years as the secretary (which we all know is who really runs the school) and was fondly known as Mrs. Ketterling to generations of children.

 Throughout her life, Judy shared her creative gift with those she loved and helped others through donations of beautiful quilts and handcrafted items. An example of her passion for helping others was shown through her work with the Red Cross, in charge of the local Blood drive. She gave blood as often as she could as she had the coveted O negative blood type. Judy was also a frequent visitor and volunteer at the Conrad nursing home. Faith was an important part of Judy’s life; she was a devoted member of Pondera Valley Lutheran Church and studied scripture daily at home.

 Judy is survived by her husband, Roman, and her three daughters: Karla (Everett) Breding of Conrad, Kristi (Clint) Campbell of Bozeman and Tricia (Jim) Quitmeyer of Chandler, AZ, six grandchildren, Austin Breding, Meagan (Kyle) VandenBos, Ian and Anna Campbell, Madison and Ethan Quitmeyer and great grandson, Kole VandenBos. Judy was loving, supportive and present in the lives of those she loved. Her light shone bright and touched the lives of her family, friends and those in her community. She will be missed dearly.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pondera Valley Lutheran Church or American Heart Association. If you are not a current Blood donor, give a pint in her honor!

Memorial services will be Saturday, January 20, at 11:00am at Pondera Valley Lutheran Church. A reception in the Fellowship Hall will follow service.