"Judy was always a bright spot in everyone's day! Her smile and sense of humor were evident even on the hard days!!! We had SOOOO much fun opening her birthday cards, painting fingernails, and, of course, eating Oreo's like they were going out of style!!!! She will sincerely be missed "
In loving memory of
Judy Beitz
June 29, 1943 - July 27, 2023
Judy Beitz (Hagler) passed away at the age of 80 on July 27, 2023 at Mary Greeley Medical Center with her loving husband and son by her side. A public visitation will be held on Monday, July 31, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a memorial service held on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Both will be held at Memorial Lutheran Church, 2228 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014.
Judy was born to Norman and Lorraine (Walters) Hagler on June 29, 1943 in Champaign, Illinois. Judy attended Champaign High School and graduated with the class of 1961. She attended the University of Illinois for two years. She met Don Beitz at the University Lutheran Chapel on campus. They married at St. John's Lutheran Church in Champaign in 1963. After a honeymoon in St. Louis, they moved to Spartan Village at Michigan State University where Don was a Ph.D. student.
After moving to Ames in 1967, she became an active member of Memorial Lutheran Church, spending many years teaching Sunday School and participating in Stephen Ministry. Judy enjoyed her involvement in bridge clubs and supporting her husband and children in their activities.
Judy worked at Bell Telephone Company and First National Bank for a few years before earning a B.S. in sociology at Iowa State University, graduating in 1978. She became a social worker at Mary Greeley Medical Center and, while working, earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Iowa in 1990. During her tenure at Mary Greeley, she became the director of its Social Services Department. Because of health reasons, she retired in 1994. During retirement, she enjoyed the growth and development of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Judy was known for her joy in serving others, sense of humor, infectious laugh, and incredible trivia knowledge. Her smile could light up any room.
Those left to cherish Judy's memory are her husband, Don, brother Brian Hagler, children David and Jenny (Todd) Borchert, grandchildren Morgan (Kevin) Casey, Kaitlin (Phil) Sellai, Evan, Tyler and Isaac, and four great-grandchildren.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents Norman and Lorraine Hagler as well as her in-laws Clarence and Fern Beitz.
Memorial donations may be made to Israel Hospice House at 400 South Dakota Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50014 or Memorial Lutheran Church.
Online condolences can be made to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"Her smile, bravery, and corn casserole are forever etched in memory. Well done good and faithful servant in a life well lived. As she joins the eternal, I pray for peace in the hearts of those she left behind. "
"Judy was a bright light in the Social Services Dept at MGMC, guiding this new graduate. I really enjoyed working with her. My sincere condolences to her family and friends for your loss. She made this world a better place."