Della Judith Thomas was born on Nov. 1, 1936 to Nelson Van Ness Thomas and Cora May Fallows in Rupert, Idaho. Judy was the middle child of three. For most of her childhood she was raised in Logan, Utah where she graduated from high school. Judy was awarded a scholarship to LDS Business college where she graduated with high honors. Judy later worked her way through college receiving a bachelor's degree in both Early Childhood and Elementary Education at Utah State University. Judy served a full time mission in Texas where she learned to speak Spanish. While at Utah State she met the love of her life Richard Brecht. The two were married in the Logan Temple on June 7, 1963. Richard and Judy moved to New York State where Richard worked for IBM for 35 years. They were blessed with four beautiful children. Motherhood was Judy’s greatest joy in life. She loved her family and devoted her life to them. Judy was the ultimate homemaker, she loved to bake, garden, play cards, and was politically active. Judy was a faithful and fully committed member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She held many positions of leadership throughout her life. Among her favorite callings were serving as Stake Relief Society president for twelve years and Stake Young Women’s president for ten years. Judy’s life was one of selfless service. For much of her life she took on the role of caregiver, caring for both her mother-in-law and mother as they became unable to care for themselves. When Richard developed Alzheimer’s she dedicated her life to caring for him and became his advocate. Judy’s life was devoted to doing the will of God. She was a true disciple of Jesus Christ. She loved and accepted everyone she ever came to know. She had the ability to see the best in everyone. She was a source of light and strength to those who knew her.
Judy is survived by her brother Nelson Thomas and sister Coralee Baker, daughter Jen and Dave Storey, son Richard and Leilani Brecht, son Jeffrey and Tara Brecht, daughter Julie and Rich Hadlock and her wonderful grandchildren; Aaron, Alex, Alexus, Abbi, Ty, Holden, Gavin, Kayden, Carly, Lauren, Maddie, Brooke, Kylie and great granddaughters Mia and Ava.
The funeral will be held at Larkin Mortuary, Riverton, Utah 3688 West 12600 South on Thursday July 16, 2020 at 11 a.m. A viewing will be held from 9:30-10:45 a.m. on July 16th. The internment will be at the Hyrum Cemetery in Hyrum, Utah.
Anyone who would like to attend is welcome. We ask that you wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Judy Brecht was my Grandmother. She was an incredibly strong person. She loved intensely. If you were counted amongst her you know where she stood. She was never overbearing. Never overt. She was always present. Aware and keen. My dear grandmother, I miss you. You always made me feel funny, and ever so loved. Tell Grandpa, hi for me. We’ll be seeing you two soon enough. Can’t wait. Until then, I love you. -Alex.