"I am so sorry to hear of Judie's passing. She was an inspiration and rolemodel for many of us. I can still see her smile and hear her laugh. Please accept my sincere sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Joy Schreder"
In loving memory of
Judie A. Smith
June 10, 1940 - May 9, 2014
Judith Anne "Judie" Smith, age 73, of Green Bay, passed away peacefully at Bellin Hospital, with the support of Unity Hospice care on Friday, May 9, 2014. She was born on June 10, 1940, in Lincoln, Nebraska, a daughter of the late Theodota and John Miller. Judie graduated from Lincoln High School in Nebraska in 1958. She married Allen G. Smith on January 30, 1960, at the Lincoln Air Force Base Chapel. Judie and Allen moved to Wisconsin and spent the early years of their marriage there. They moved to Fargo, North Dakota and lived there for over 30 years. In 2008, Judie and Allen relocated to Green Bay to retire.
Judie retired from State Farm Insurance after 23 years, working as the first woman agent in North Dakota from 1984 - 2006. She earned numerous achievements at state, regional and national levels. Her foremost concern was to provide her clients with the highest level of service and individual care. As a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Judie inspired everyone with her unending optimism and compassionate understanding of people of all backgrounds.
Judie enjoyed travel to places near and far; from Door County to New York, Austria, Spain and Mexico. She also enjoyed watching a variety of sports -- the Brewers, the Packers, tennis and golf -- including a trip to the 1996 Olympics.
Judie is survived by her loving husband of over 54 years, Allen; her two daughters and their spouses, Pamela Smith Mentz (David Mentz) of Seattle, WA and Michelle Smith Grindberg (Michael Grindberg) of Tallahassee, FL; her grand-daughter, Brooke Dakota Grindberg; a brother-in-law, Roy Beaber and a sister-in-law, Jean Williams. Judie is further survived by two nieces and many special friends and relatives. She was preceded in death by her brother, Dan Miller.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2014 at Lyndahl Funeral Home, 1350 Lombardi Avenue, from 1:30 pm until a time of sharing and celebration of Judie's life at 4:00 pm. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lyndahl.com.
The family would like to extend thanks to the staff at Unity Hospice for their tender care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Unity Hospice or the American Lung Association in Judie's name.
Tributes
"Allen & family, I am so sorry to hear of Judie's passing. She was such a kind & classy lady. I always really looked forward to coming up to Fargo to visit her on underwriting trips. She made everyone feel so special. "
"Al, Sorry to hear about Judy's passing.My condolences.Seven years ago since I lost Marlys. I have strong family support.My health is good and I am still in my own house.I was one of those State Farm pioneers-first full-time agent appointed in eastern North Dakota."
"My sincerest condolences to Allen and family. Some of my fondest childhood memories are those spent with Judie and Allen, whether at the lake, on a boat, traveling to state bb tourneys or just sitting in their basement watching Green Bay play football! Judie was a class act and such an amazing person! Very lucky to have grown up with her by my side for so many years. Love, Kelly Gustafson-Condike and family.."
"We were saddened to hear of Judie's passing. She welcomed us into the State Farm family when we first began our business here in ND. She always greeted us with a big smile and hug. May your memories help you get through the days ahead. We will keep you in our prayers."
"Allen and family, We are so sorry to hear of Judie passing. We have so many fond memories of the two of you on the State Farm trips. Judie was so much fun and always positive and happy. She will be missed by many people but has left a lasting legacy of people she has touched and inspired. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. Tom and Gail Rouse"
"Our condolences for your huge loss. May you some day be reunited in Heaven."
"My sincere condolences to you Al and your family. Judie was a delight to work with. She always had a smile and a light hearted comment. Such a sweet gal. May God be very gracious to you and your family during this time when your hearts are so tender. May God bless the memory of Judie."
"Uncle Allen, We are so sorry for your loss. We loved Judy. Her smile was always welcoming. And her kindness always left such an impression on me. All our love and prayers, "
"Allen, Sorry for your loss, Judy was a class act and a great lady. You have our condolences. Rich and Genene Colbert"
"Allen and family, We are so very sorry to hear of your losing Judy. She has always had a special place in my heart since we started with State Farm in 1983. I have so many fond memories of her as we both worked to succeed with our State Farm agencies. She was such a gift to me--giving me hope, courage and strength to succeed. She was an inspiration to me and she set the bar high! We have many fond memories of both of you on the many trips we were able to experience together. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers as you work through the grief of losing someone so very special to you. God bless you with courage and strength, Kathy and Tom Holmes (Witte-Holmes)"
"I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family - may your memories keep her forever in your hearts and bring you solace and joy. "
"Allen & Family, Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Judie, I have heard from the many policyholders I've worked with that were initially Judie's clients how caring and wonderful of a person she was and how much they enjoyed having her as their agent. I extend my deepest sympathy for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers continuously. "
"Allen, I was so sorry to hear about Judy. My sympathy to you and your family. "
"Allen, It was a great privilege to be associated with Judy. She was a great inspiration to all who got to know her. Know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you and the family. Richard & Lois Richter"
"Allen, Karey and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Judie was always a positive influence on me and the other agents. She will be missed. "
"Allen and Family, Please know that you are and will remain in our thoughts and prayers. I had the privilege of experiencing Judy's warmth and kindness when I became a State Farm agent. Her sincere guidance was so greatly appreciated. She truly is someone I have admired from the moment I met her. My heart will always hold Judy and you close. I thank you for sharing her with me. Very Sincerely, Derek Christopherson "
"Allen, extending deep & heartfelt sympathy to you & your family. Judie was an outstanding agent for State Farm and all her policyholders. She was missed when she retired. She was a great example to all of us associated with State Farm. "
"I will miss Judie's sense of humor and her laugh. She had such a sweet personality and enjoyed life to its fullest, always positive. I have many memories, but remember our trip to Florida and the good time we had with her and Allen. Also, she was determined to get as many votes in for Donald Driver (Packer player) when he was a contestant on "Dancing With The Stars". She used her limit on her phone, dad's phone, Jay's phone and my phone. She had the number stored in her phone and mine; and voted while he was dancing, before the line was busy. She was a smart lady. We will truly miss her. Our love and condolences to her family."
"Judie was the first female agent in North Dakota. She set a high standard and achieved many awards. Always had that great smile and positive attitude. "
"Some of my fondest memories growing up next to Allen and Judie's home include watching Packers games, celebrating birthday parties, and slightly exceeding the speed limit in the Iroc. Judie was an amazing combination of fun, class, kindness, and strength. She will be deeply missed. "
"Sincerest condolences to all who knew and loved Judie. We are so glad we were able to have her in our lives these past years and are better for having known her. Her smile and her giving, positive attitude will be missed."
"Our sincerest condolences to you and your family Allen. Judie was such a great lady....classy, kind and loved to laugh. The memory of her and I climbing the ladder in our big wedge sandals continues to bring a smile to my face. We are so thankful for the many years of friendship we had...lots of good memories. "
"So sorry to hear of Judie's passing. Know she will be terribly missed. She was a very special lady, we were fortunate to get to know her and Allen."