I met Judy when I went to visit my mom at the Singer store.  She worked there with my mom.  I was a divorced man raising a daughter on my own, drowning in debt and didn't think she would be interested in me.  But I kept going back to see my mom and, at the same time, to see her.  When I finally got my nerve up to ask her out she said yes!  We were married about six months later.

If you were loved by her you had no doubt, you were loved.  She always went out of her way to find a way to make your dreams come true.  And she would celebrate right along with you when what she made possible happened, never taking credit for the large part she played, just filled with joy that you did it.

One example was turning into a lifelong passion.  Our daughter, Irene, read the book The Travels of Monarch X.  After the book she asked if we could raise butterflies.  Shortly after, she asked to speak with our local garden writer who had written about two ladies that raised monarchs.  Judy contacted Jody and she helped us get in touch with the ladies.  They gave us our first chrysalis and some milkweed seeds.  Jody Headlee became a very good friend and a lifelong passion was born.

She began to grow plants and, next thing you knew we were raising butterflies.  She was the "Butterfly Lady" to the children at our daughter's school.  I made some cages and she would go to school and show the children the life cycle of a butterfly.  She also spoke at garden clubs, thanks in large part to Jody Headlee.

She loved gardening, sewing, photography and would bake a cake for any reason.  She saw our children through all life's challenges and helped to make them into great adults.  She loved her grandchildren especially her grandson, and I have no doubt she loved me.  I hope and pray that God's plan for her brings her nothing but joy and happiness.  I will miss her the rest of my life.

- Ron Van Hook