Judith 'Judy' Wood Ussher, 87

Judith (Judy) Wood Ussher went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 31, 2025, after a monthslong battle with kidney failure. She mercifully passed peacefully in her sleep, without any prolonged pain or suffering. Though her passing brings us all sorrow, we also rejoice in her being at peace and in the arms of Jesus Christ.

Judy will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt and “surrogate mom” to many others. Her smile, kindness and extremely corny sense of humor will be missed by all that knew her. 

Judy was born July 1, 1937, in Santa Barbara, Calif. to Carlton and Helen Wood. She spent most of her upbringing in Southern California, but travelled extensively due to her father’s employment. She spent time in Egypt, Europe and even attended school in Switzerland for a time. Judy attended Santa Barbara State College, and was a lifelong member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.

During her time in Santa Barbara, she met her husband, Tom. Tom was a lifeguard in Santa Barbara, and at one time had to kick Judy off the beach for riding her horse in a restricted area. Months later, they unknowingly met again on a blind date. Their relationship blossomed and they ultimately married June 14, 1957. Tom and Judy had their first child, Marjie, in May of 1958. One year later, they had their second child, Steve. Judy loved horses and instilled that passion in her daughter, Marjie.

She learned to absolutely love the outdoors from Tom. Together, the family would camp and fish whenever possible. Due to Tom’s love of duck hunting, over the years they enjoyed raising and training several black Labrador retrievers. Judy even did foster training of dogs for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Judy was also a lifelong member of the Assistance League of America, being actively involved in helping communities wherever she lived. She also loved tennis, and played as often as possible. Judy and family moved from Claremont, Calif., to Fallbrook, Calif. There, they raised acres of avocados and citrus. She was notorious for having orange hands and fingers from picking and gorging herself on her favorite fruit, tangerines. After many years in Fallbrook, Tom and Judy moved up to Greenwood, Calif. It was there that they discovered and fell in love with Calvary Chapel of the Georgetown Divide. Through that church family, both Tom and Judy committed their lives to Jesus Christ. Their lives were changed forever and they were active in the church from then on.

In a tragic blow, she and Tom lost Marjie to cancer in 2015. Their faith, family and friends helped them through this terrible chapter of life. Then, in 2022, she lost Tom to various health issues. Following Tom’s passing, she and her beloved dog, Ruby, moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, to be closer to family there. Once there, Judy embraced the beauty that life in North Idaho has to offer. She soon became a fixture at The Bridge Assisted Living facility. Her sense of humor and love of life was infectious, instantly endearing her to staff and residents. She would jokingly refer to herself as an “inmate,” and that any outings were considered “parole.”

At one point, Judy upgraded her old silver walker for a shiny red one. She referred to it as her Lamborghini, and would challenge others to a race. She began attending Regeneration Calvary Chapel and quickly became a beloved member there. Judy will be missed by all that knew her, and her smile, kindness and corny jokes will be remembered for years to come.

Judy is survived by her son, Steve Ussher (Alethia) of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; granddaughter Camille Ussher (Lewiston, Idaho); grandson Ben Ussher (Jenna) of Fallbrook, Calif.; grandson Dan Ussher of Fallbrook; granddaughter Sarah Jones (Chris) of Oceanside, Calif.; grandson David Atkins (Joan) of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; granddaughter Rebecca Swank (Matthew) of Cottonwood Heights Utah; and nine great-grandchildren. 

A celebration of life for Judy will be held Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, at 1 p.m. The service will be at Regeneration Calvary Chapel, 130 McGhee Road, in Sandpoint, Idaho. A second celebration will be held Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, at 1 p.m. This service will be held at Calvary Georgetown Divide, 3757 Highway 193 in Greenwood, Calif. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to either Guide Dogs for the Blind (donate.guidedogs.com), or the Assistance League Greater Placer Area (assistanceleague.org).