Maybelle Judkins, 84, of Bridger, died peacefully in her sleep at Morning Star of Billings, on Monday, Oct. 24, 2016.

She was born Dec. 29, 1931, in Berg, North Dakota, to Irene (Kummer) and Ernest Pittsley. She graduated eighth grade in June 1946 in McKenzie County, North Dakota. While attending high school and working as waitress for her sister Isabel in Sanish, North Dakota, she met Les (Leslie) Judkins who was to be the love of life. They were married at the Lutheran church in Sidney, Montana, on Aug. 28 1948. To that union six children were born, three in North Dakota and three after they’d moved to Bridger where Les worked for E.H. Walrath and Sons for 32 years.

She and Les were great supporters of the Bridger business community and they were surprised by the presentation of a special plaque during the 2012 Jim Bridger Days parade. Maybelle was a great baker and neighbors loved to pop in for spudnuts and other treats. She was an enthusiastic collector of keepsakes, spoons, dolls, rocks, cards, letters and photos. In recent years she especially enjoyed helping out at Bridger Fur Company, playing cards with family, doing puzzles, Facetiming and playing tricks on people. Nothing would light up her face more than hugs and kisses from her great-grandkids. For the last two years, since Les died, Doug had been her rock.

She is survived by her six children, Gary (Gerri) Judkins, Don (Monique) Judkins, Wanda (Larry) Sticka, Julie (Darrel) Krum, Ernie (Cindy) Judkins and Doug (Joan) Judkins; her sisters, Violet and Doris; brothers, Arlo and Glen; great friend, Terry Handeland; 15 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Les, in 2014; her parents; siblings, Robert, Neil, Ernest, Dale, Isabel and Phyliss; and two great-grandchildren, Meah Anne and Paxton.

The viewing is from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, at the Smith-Olcott Funeral Chapel, 201 N. Broadway in Red Lodge. Her funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, 404 S. 3rd Street, Bridger.

The graveside service will be at Bridger Cemetery, and the reception will follow in the basement of the Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the “Maybelle Judkins for Jim Bridger Days” account at the Bank of Bridger.