Judith Anne Kesler Ahrend passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, on Wednesday November 30th at 8:40 pm. Judie was born June 24th 1942 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Dr. Fred P. and Arlene Anchorstrand Kesler. She married her sweetheart, George S. Ahrend in 1959 at the tender age of 17. Our parents celebrated their 63rd Anniversary on November 6th and Judie’s 80th Birthday in June.
Judie was an extra busy mom to five sports driven, dance focused children. We skied every Saturday in the winter as a family, no small feat with 5 kids! From golf and football to ballet; she made sure each of us could pursue our diverse interests to the fullest. Her involvement with our extra-curricular activities led her to her career as the Director of Utah Junior Golf Association. She organized tournaments for young golfers all over Utah and in several surrounding states for 17 years. She traveled with top junior golf teams to tournaments in British Columbia, Hawaii, and Mexico City. She absolutely loved this season of her life.
Judie enjoyed knitting and made beautiful Christmas stockings for all of her family, along with the friends lucky enough to convince her. She collected dolls, loved to read, listen to The Bee Gees, watch tennis and most recently, bake bread pudding!
She fiercely loved George, her children and their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews. We all knew of her great love and devotion to us. These relationships sustained her through many difficult years of chronic and debilitating pain. We are eternally grateful to our dad for his devoted care of our mom over these many, many years.
We are also grateful to our amazing Hospice Nurses Tiki McKinnon and Sara Warner for their tender role in leading Mom peacefully through the veil. She believed in Jesus Christ and knew she was returning home to a loving Father in Heaven. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Judie is survived by: George Ahrend, Timothy (Joy) Ahrend, Stephanie Smith (Rick), Spencer (Lisa) Ahrend, Matthew (Julianna) Ahrend, Elizabeth Ahrend (Jeremy McLean) 8 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren, and brother- Dr. Christopher (Keli) Kesler. She was preceded in death by her parents - Dr. Fred P. Kesler, Arlene Anchorstrand Kesler, brother- Dr. Stephen Kesler and sister Roberta Smith.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 6th from 6-8 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ward house at 2400 East Alta Canyon Drive and also at the same location on Wednesday, December 7th from 12-12:45. The funeral will follow at 1:00 pm. Internment at Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road
To watch the recorded services online, please click the blue "Watch Services" tab above.
I had the honor of sharing office space with Judy while I was Executive Director of the Utah Section PGA. During that time, seeing her administer the UJGA I appreciated her professionalism.
Constantly on display was her absolute unwavering support of juniors. Where she completely lit up though was when she was with, talking about or championing girls golf - their access to opportunities and - their competitions. Judy, no doubt had a positive impact on many, many people. She will be fondly remembered.
Dear Chris- I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am to hear of Judy’s passing. Losing our siblings is certainly a tough one, as you sadly already know. Sending my love and thoughts your way. Janie
I played in Junior golf for 9 years and I loved seeing her at the tournaments! She always made me laugh and she made her job look so easy! Appreciate all the work she did for Junior Golf!
My sincere condolences to family and friends on the loss of this woman who suffered from chronic back pain as a result of an accident. May she rest in peace no more suffering.
My condolences to the Ahrend Family. I spent every summer as a young boy playing in the Utah Jr golf association. Judie and Cookie were the constant presence in shaping our lives. I will always remember and appreciate the time, love and support Judie gave me. Some of my fondest memories are hanging out on the course with Matt. What a joy he was to be around.
Thoughts and prayers are with you
Tom Bonner,
Heber City