"Judy was a kind and sweet friend from east hill thru high school. I will always remember biology class and that frog we had to dissect. I calmly sat and watched Judy do all the work...........She passed the course with flying colors, I passed by the skin of my teeth................loved her.......and want to express my condolences to her family....."
In loving memory of
Judith Ann Smith
March 2, 1940 - October 25, 2016
JUDITH SMITH
FAIRPORT, Iowa - Judith Ann Smith, 76, a lifelong resident of Muscatine, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, October 25, 2016, after a courageous six year battle with multiple myeloma.
Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 31, 2016, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. Dr. Pamela Saturnia of the First Presbyterian Church will officiate. Burial will take place in Greenwood Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2 until 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 30, 2016, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Judith's name to the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. Online condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com
Judy was born on March 2, 1940, in Muscatine, the daughter of Dr. William G. Lease, DDS, and his wife, Helen Nieman Lease. She married Leary A. Smith on December 9, 1961, in Monticello, Missouri.
Judy graduated from Muscatine High School in 1958. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in mathematics in 1962. Judy taught in the Muscatine Community School District for 33 years, first at Garfield Elementary, then Central Junior High, and finally at Muscatine High School, retiring in 1999. She loved math, especially geometry.
She loved to fish on the Mississippi River and at the family cabin in the North woods of Wisconsin. She puttered in the garden in the spring and summer and was an avid crafter. She loved to sew and quilt and often had more projects than she could keep track of.
But most of all she loved her family. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Leary Smith, and two daughters, Dr. Melinda Smith MD and Demi Bulthaus and husband, Lt. Col. Tom Bulthaus, USAF, all of Muscatine. Judy was proud grammy to three grandchildren, Emerson Smith, and Halligan and Holden Bulthaus. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Coco.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents and one son, Dr. Jeffrey Smith, DDS.
The family wishes to thank the nurses of Hospice Compassus, especially Ann, who became a true friend.
Tributes
" We went to high school, Junior College and the University of Iowa together where we were roommates. Although I move from Muscatine years ago Judy and I remained lifelong friends. Over the years I always enjoyed coming to Muscatine to see her and Leary (I often teased her it was because I wanted a Maid Rite or a tenderloin from the Cherri Top). As a youngster she loved ice-skating and could always be found at Weed Park in the winter. Judy also love the water and especially waterskiing where we spent many an hour in the summers. I could never understand her love of mathematies however she became a popular teacher at Muskie High. I will DEFINITELY miss my dear friend!!! LaCrosse WI"
"I am so sorry to learn of Judy's passing. She and I grew up together in the same neighborhood. We went to school together from grade school through MCC. We had many great adventures. She was a great friend. I am sure she was an outstanding teacher because everything she did was perfect. Even though we grew apart I always remembered her fondly."
"Was so sorry to hear of Judy's passing. We were classmates together. Our prayers are with the family at this sad time."
"I was so sorry to read of Judy's passing. Judy and I grew up together on East Hill and shared a good friend Sandy Clark Bero. May Judy find peace in the arms of Jesus and may all those who love her find comfort in the knowledge that you will one day be together again and also that others care that you are going through this most difficult time. God Bless you and keep you always. With sympathy and prayers, ~Kathleen (Barry) Marshall~"
"I was a few years older than Judy (as we neighborhood kids knew her) but she was a great friend in our childhood days with the Moomey and Horst girls. In her teaching years she taught my son in high school and her husband Leary taught my daughter in high school. My sympathies and prayers go to the family at this time. Know that your memories of your wife and your mother will be cherished by all of you as mine have been brought back to me by reading of Judy's death. God be with you as you say goodbye to your loved one. "