Judith “Judy” Joan (Scalph) Rich was born May 16, 1941, in Scotts Bluff, Neb., to Leonard and Helen (Babcock) Scalph and peacefully passed into heaven from Lewy body dementia surrounded by family Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, in Post Falls, Idaho. 

She grew up No. 6 of 8 children with four brothers and three sisters. At 3, Judy traveled by train to Idaho, where she grew up on a small farm just outside New Plymouth. She was a true redhead, with a lot of spunk and sass that stayed with her. She enjoyed driving the tractor, caring for the animals, canning and quilting with her mom. Entering her pies in the Payette County Fair was always a highlight. Following her dad (WWII) and big brother’s footsteps, she proudly joined the Women’s Army Corp in 1964, stationed at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania working as a medic. 

In 1965, she married Phil Rich, and they welcomed five children, Teresa, Philip, Kristine, Shelly and Apryl in their 15-year marriage. In 1974, Judy earned her nursing license from TVCC and began her career as an LPN working in nursing homes throughout the Treasure Valley. In 1989, she moved to Bonners Ferry, working at Boundary County Community Hospital until she retired in 1997. 

Family was always a priority; she helped raise her grandchildren, being active in their lives by babysitting and attending bowling matches, sports games and 4H activities. Many of her grandchildren’s friends call her “Grandma.” She loved visiting her big brother, Jack, in Arkansas and daughter, Teresa, in Texas, where she tandem skydived. 

In 2018, Judy moved into Living Springs for her last days. The family is forever grateful to Janea and the staff for the care, friendship and love as well as from the V.A. home-based staff.  

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Helen Scalph; brothers Jack, Jim and Paul; sisters LeNora, Marilyn and Carolyn; and daughter Kristine. 

She leaves behind her brother, Lynn; daughters Teresa, Shelly, Apryl (Jason); son Philip (Lyka); grandchildren Ryan, Stephanie, Zachary (Alex), James, Michaela (Eric), Dylan, Misty (Tony), Daniel, Gavin, Ethan, Judy, Hinata, Shaika, eight great-granddaughters and two great-grandsons. 

A viewing will be Friday, Jan. 12, at 3 p.m. and a celebration of life Sunday, Jan. 14 at 3 p.m. will be held at English Chapel in Coeur d’Alene.