Judith ‘Judy’ Church

Judith “Judy” Ann Church, 88, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away Nov. 3, 2025, in Federal Way, Wash. 

Born on Aug. 24, 1937, in Portsmouth, Ohio, to Eugene Samuel Crull and Eileen Pearl Hawkins Crull, Judy was the eldest of three sisters and a former resident of Moses Lake and Othello, Wash. A celebration of life will be held Dec. 6 at Pillar Rock Golf Course in Moses Lake from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dress in your holiday colors. Join for lunch and share a story.

Her story: During World War II, Judy’s family moved to Baltimore, Maryland, joining the ranks of Americans supporting the war effort by working in the shipyards. After the war, they relocated to California, first to Vallejo and eventually settling in Eureka. It was in Eureka that Judy’s life changed forever when her family moved next to Art and Ollie Church. One fateful day, Judy saw Vernon Church, flashing what she called his “million-dollar smile” while speeding past in his car. She turned to her friend and declared, “I am going to marry him.” True to her word, a few years later, when Vernon was home on leave from the Army, they married Dec. 31, 1954.

Judy joined Vernon in Columbus, Ga., where he was stationed. Upon Vernon’s discharge from the Army, the couple returned to Eureka, where their thrift and hard work enabled them to purchase a charming house on Prospect Street. There, Judy, Vernon, and their beloved dog Suzy welcomed their daughter, Rebecca “Becky.” In her final days, Judy often reminisced about that house and her treasured pet.

In 1967, Judy and her family moved to Othello, Wash., joining Ollie and Art who had homesteaded there. Realizing that farming was not their calling, Judy and Vernon moved into town, where Vernon worked for Adams County and Judy began her career as a lunch lady at Hiawatha Elementary in the Othello School District. Judy’s compassion was evident in the care she showed to children facing food insecurity or needing extra attention — she would quietly give them an extra scoop of food, praise them as good kids and, sometimes, anonymously provide shoes or coats. 

Judy enjoyed water skiing, swimming, and led Girl Scout troops, developing lifelong friendships. After retiring, she and Becky shared memorable trips to Hawaii, Las Vegas, San Diego, Palm Springs, and an unforgettable journey on the Rocky Mountaineer train through Canada.

Judy spent a decade as Vernon’s caregiver after he became paralyzed from Guillain-Barré Syndrome. In 2000, the couple purchased a condo on the water in Moses Lake. Following Vernon’s passing in November 2001, Judy remained in Moses Lake, cherishing the sunsets on the lake and watching eagles and ducks from her deck. Her grandchildren, Emily and Aaron, spent countless nights with her. She also formed deep bonds with “her boys,” David and Edward, whom she loved dearly.

Judy was an active participant in senior exercise classes, Red Hats, and Moses Lake Newcomers, forming lasting friendships and enjoying many group outings and travel adventures. Her health began to decline in 2025, prompting a move to Federal Way to be closer to Becky. Her final weeks at Garden Terrace were marked by excellent care by both the nursing staff and the Virginia Mason Franciscan Hospice program. 

Judy is preceded in death by her husband, Vernon, her parents, sister Virginia, sister-in-law Ethel (Harvey) Martin and many friends. She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca (Ron) Straka; grandchildren Emily (Theo) Pacific and Aaron Straka; sister Donna (Wayne) Davis; several nieces and nephews; and a host of cherished friends, some bonds stretching back to fourth grade.

She touched countless lives with her kindness, sense of humor and laughter. As her family and friends remember her, they know she had a good life — a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. You will be missed, Momma. Tell everyone hello.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local food bank, humane society or Moses Lake Food Bank (mlfood.org), the Moses Lake Senior Center (moseslakeseniorcenter.org) or Adams County Pet Rescue (adamscountypetrescue.com).