Judy passed away on July 29, 2023, due to complications of dementia. Judy was born in Quincy, Illinois, and was the fourth of five children. She met her husband Russell Babcock on a blind date, and they were married a few years later in Christ’s Church in Delevan Wisconsin in 1956.
Judy loved babies and was a devoted mother raising six sons Russell, Christopher, Jonathan, David, Jason, and Michael.
Russ and Judy had an adventurous life and lived in Minnesota, Missouri, Washington, Alaska, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia before settling down in Salt Lake City Utah. They made long-lasting friendships wherever they went.
Russ and Judy were active members of the Episcopal church including St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Salt Lake where she sang in the choir. Judy enjoyed camping and spent many summers camping with Russ, her sons, and her grandkids in their favorite spot in southern Utah.
Judy’s friends and family were most important to her and she would host a large family gathering every Christmas and she would travel around the world visiting friends and family.
She is survived by her younger brother Carl Derhake of Macon Illinois, her 6 sons, 11 grandkids, and 3 great-grandkids.
We remember Judy with great affection and join with the family in grieving her loss. She was such a bright and giving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was the best love and companion for Russ, and they shared everything together. The last years must have been extremely difficult for you all, and we send our deepest condolences to her wonderful family. You took great care of her, when Russ could not.
Love to you all,
Pam and Frank.
I met Judy at Oakland airport when she and Russ flew from SLC to meet Mike’s “new bride” I’ve never gotten such wonderful hugs as I did from both of them…..
Michael and I spent many wonderful times with them in Australia and the USA…..one of the many reasons I loved her was she was an absolutely straight shooter….she had a marvellous sense of humour, a very loving heart, a deep deep love for her boys and an indescribable immense love for Russ. She had a deep faith and I’m certain that she is at last holding hands with her beloved Russ again.
It was an Honor and a privilege to know her and I miss them both dearly,
Rest In Peace faithful servant,,,
With much love and prayers
Mike and Kathy
Dear Babcock Family,
We were so saddened to learn of your mom’s passing in July. Our friendship with your parents spanned 50 years, beginning in Christchurch. We will never forget Judy yelling “Hey, Major Baby” to Jerry in the White Heron hotel!
We will always cherish wonderful memories of camping, hiking, golfing, dining and visiting from Alaska, Washington, Virginia, Florida, California, Utah and Las Vegas.
Please accept our most sincere condolences.
Jerry and Kay
Our hearts are heavy after hearing of Judy's passing. During our journey in life we are fortunate to meet special people along the way. Judy was one of those people. As neighbors in Cabo at the Solmar, we were lucky to have become acquainted with Judy and Russ over many years. Our time spent together was always special because of her. We were very fortunate to have known her. A truly genuine person full of life and love of her family.
My heart hurts. Judy Babcock was my second mother. She came into our lives when I was a teen and brought common sense and love. I have so many good memories of her and Russ including skiing on weekends, Christmas tree cutting, driving to check out universities, and so many more. She and Russ were my parents best friends. I don't know how she did it but she convinced my mom to let me go on a 6 week trip to Europe when I was 15 years old. Best of all, I remember many phone calls to Judy and Russ and always knew they were there for me. I even have photos at my house of them. Both Judy and Russ will be impossible to replace but unforgettable in my heart.
