Judith Rae Stoltz

Judith Rae Stoltz, Judy, died on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the age of 79. Judy resided in Tripp, but died at Avera Bormann Manor nursing home in Parkston, where she had lived for the last 5 months.   

Judy was born on November 7, 1944, in Madison, South Dakota to Gladys Campbell Meehan and Joseph Meehan. She graduated from Orland High School in 1962. She received her bachelor’s degree and teaching credential from South Dakota State University. She went on to teach high school home economics in Wyoming, but found her passion in teaching elementary school students. She worked in the Catholic school system in Anchorage, Alaska and Rapid City, South Dakota. She was a favorite of her students and peers, adept at making learning a joy!  

Judy married Douglas, Doug, Stoltz on August 13, 1966. They met during their college years where he fell in love with her mischievous ways, caring heart, and zest for life. Judy and Doug were blessed with two daughters, Shannon and Stacey. They raised them for a short time in Wyoming, but embarked on their greatest adventure and moved the family to Anchorage, Alaska in 1981. During these years they enjoyed fishing, cross country skiing, and downhill skiing (which she learned at the age of 40!!!).   

After working for many years as a 5th grade teacher at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School in Anchorage, Judy and Doug retired and moved back to South Dakota. They spent years in Rapid City (where Judy continued her love of education as a substitute teacher). Retirement allowed them to spend many years traveling the country- they explored all 50 states! Tripp, South Dakota was their final destination, where they resided for the past 11 years.   

Judy loved life and wanted to experience anything and everything. She absolutely loved watching her daughters and granddaughters play volleyball. She was a diehard Duke Blue Devils basketball fan until the end, even attending the NCAA Final Four tournament to cheer them on! Her infectious smile drew people to her- even during her last final months. If you knew Judy, you knew her smile.   

She is survived by her daughters, Shannon Bates (Chris) and Stacey Gustin (Greg); her 4 granddaughters, Kiley, Delanie, Kendall, and Kelsey. Judy is also survived by her siblings, Mary Stolley (Peter), Jane Sebade (Norbert), and Bill Meehan (Janet); along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, from all over the country.   Judy is preceded in death by her husband, Doug; her parents; sister, Joanne Erickson (Bob); brother, David Meehan; in-laws and sisters-in-law.   

Judy’s daughters know that their mom is smiling down on them now.

Celebration of life to be held in Phoenix, Arizona for Judy and her husband, Doug, who recently passed on May 4, 2024