She was born on July 2, 1939, in Sterling, the daughter of Rosier and Pearl (Oathout) Tolley. She married Merrill F. Howard on November 26, 1955, in Rock Falls. He died May 29, 2013. Judy was a loving and dedicated wife and mother, taking care of the household and raising their children, a truly iconic family. She had supper prepared each night and was an excellent cook and baker. She and her late husband, along with the children, enjoyed fishing and boating. Later in life, as the grandchildren were born, she enjoyed the family times spent together.
Survivors include her four daughters: Pam (Mike) Beck, Ranae (Bill) Washburn, Dawn (Brett) Wilder, and Tracey Howard (Joe DeWitt); sisters: Shelby Blevins, Lela Mitchell, Doris (Gary) Hale, and Cindy (Gary) Schultz; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, William Tolley, and grandson Jeremiah Johnson.
A private family burial will take place at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling. A public gathering to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 1-4 PM at K’s Corner in Sterling. Memorial may be made to Gaffey Hospice.
