Judy King

Judith “Judy” Charlynn (Goforth) King, 76, of Valier, passed away June 7, 2021.  Judy was a vibrant, loving woman who made friends and touched lives wherever she went.  She was a wife, Aunt, sister, and friend, but her favorite names were Mom and Grandma.  Judy’s laughter would fill a room, and you always knew she was up for an adventure, trip, or a visit.  Judy loved quilting, cooking, hosting events, swimming, walks, travel, and playing bridge.  Above all, she loved her family and friends, and was so proud of her grandchildren - Isabelle & Miles, her children - Damon and Heather; and was excited to share stories of them with everyone.  Her love of travel and family combined perfectly, and Judy always loved to spend time in Hawaii with her son, Damon, or New Jersey with her daughter, Heather, “#2” son, Craig, and grandchildren, Isabelle & Miles.  Judy is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Everett; her 2 children, Damon & Heather; her son-in-law “#2 son”, Craig; 2 grandchildren, Isabelle and Miles; her brother, Skee and his wife, Doris, and their children, Charity & Christian; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

Judy was born in Seattle, Washington, and would always share stories of growing up picking blueberries, going to the ocean, Sundays with family, Scandinavian cooking & holiday traditions, spending time with her friends, modeling, and competing for Miss Auburn.  She attended Seattle University, while working at her mom’s beauty salon.  It was at her mom’s beauty salon, that she met her future husband, Everett, whose sister was a hair stylist there.  They married 3 years later, after long distance dating with her in Auburn and Everett living in Montana.  After they got married, they lived in a suburb of Seattle for 6 years, then moved to Valier where they owned the Valier hotel, and eventually took over the King ranch, where they live still.  Judy was a Financial Advisor, and later in retirement, enjoyed working on the Census, as it gave her the opportunity to meet and chat with people from across the state.  She was involved in the community with the United Methodist church, 4-H, Red Hat group, senior center, quilt guild, bridge club, and VADC. She was particularly proud of her work on the Montana Tourism Board for over 20 years.  She always enjoyed sharing her love of cooking, particularly teaching the 4-H kids international cooking and helping them host a 12 course Chinese dinner.  Most recently, her love of quilting and the community came together with making quilts for Boots on the Ground veterans.

Judy will be deeply missed by all who knew her, leaving a void that was once filled by her love and laughter.  As Judy always loved to say, “Mahalo”.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 14, at Asper/Pondera Funeral Home in Conrad from 5:00-7:00 pm. Funeral services will be at the Valier United Methodist Church on Tuesday at 2:00 pm. A reception at the church will follow the burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Valier United Methodist Church.