Judith Bentley Youngquist

Judith Bentley Youngquist was born on August 21st, 1946 in Mesa, Arizona, to Ella Farnsworth Bentley and Anthony Ivins Bentley. As the sixth of seven children, she was born into a home filled with faith, love, and music. Her early childhood was spent in Mesa, Arizona and Logan, Utah. At the age of 8, her family settled in a welcoming home on Cedar Avenue in Provo, Utah. During her childhood, Judy found joy in the company of her family, whether it was in Colonia Dublan, Mexico, the tranquil landscapes of Bear Lake, Utah, or Uncle Hal’s horse ranch in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Some of Judy’s fondest memories were traveling with her dad as he served on assignments for the General Sunday School Board. Those times with her dad were so meaningful, she carried those memories with her into her final stages of Alzheimer's. She had a special bond with her father. He was someone she always looked up to and tried to emulate her whole life. Judy graduated from Provo Senior High School in 1964. She was involved in many activities, including the Spanish club, the sorority Sub Debs, United Nations, Forensics, and the Debate team. Her talent at extemporaneous speaking was particularly remarkable.

Judy earned her Master ’s degree in Speech therapy from Brigham Young University. In the fall of 1970, her favorite aunt and uncle, Erma and Daryl Anderson, wanted to introduce her to their son’s mission companion, who would eventually become her husband, Kenneth Lee Youngquist. Ken and Judy were married in the Salt Lake Temple on November 24th, 1971. Prior to their marriage, Judy taught at BYU, and during the early stages of building their young family in Provo. Subsequently, Ken and Judy relocated to La Crescenta, CA for a few years before returning to Ken’s native Minnesota. Blessed with the arrival of three children in four years, Judy discovered she was expecting twins, expanding their family to five children, all under the age of five. Due to a traumatic birth, her daughter, Eleanor did not survive, but Judy found solace in the fact that she was able to bring her daughter Erin home. However, a few months later, Erin was diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy, accompanied by severe brain damage. Erin’s mental capabilities would never extend beyond those of a six month old, and her physical handicaps prevented her from ever walking or talking. Judy assumed the responsibility of meeting all of Erin’s needs. This would change Judy’s life in many ways but she always felt it an honor to be a parent to a child with special needs. Judy’s life from this point on would revolve around balancing the typical demands of raising a family with the additional needs of having a child with profound disabilities. Over the next ten years, Ken and Judy added three additional daughters to their family. During this time, they moved back to Utah and lived in Centerville for five years before returning to Minnesota to raise their family.

Judy called Shoreview, Minnesota home for the next 15 years. Her St. Paul 2nd ward quickly turned from friends to family. Living in the mission field gave Judy ample service opportunities. She could always be found with callings in Relief Society and Primary, as well being a diligent Visiting Teacher. During this phase of their life, Ken and Judy also enjoyed living by Ken’s side of the family. As her children grew up and began leaving the home, many followed her footsteps and found themselves attending BYU and settling in Utah. With a desire to be near their growing number of grandchildren, Ken and Judy moved back to Utah. Their home in Fruit Heights became the heart of family gatherings: Christmas baking, family parties, piano music, late-night talks, and Sunday dinners. Judy thrived as a grandma to 28 grandkids. She was the sun around which her family orbited.

In Fruit Heights, Judy made many cherished friendships. She loved her experience in the ward choir and participated in that until she was no longer able to perform. The songs they sang were always a source of pride, but their Christmas and Easter programs were especially anticipated. Judy inherited her love of music from her own mother, and in turn, passed that love onto her children. She played piano since childhood and went on to teach herself the organ. The timeless songs of Karen Carpenter, The Mamas & The Papas, and The Beach Boys were frequently playing in her home. She had an especially fond love for musicals. Judy enjoyed morning walks with her friends around the neighborhood. Even as her Alzheimer’s progressed, she found some comfort in getting outside to walk, even if it was just to the corner and back.

Judy loved to bargain hunt and could stretch a dollar farther than anyone. While raising a large family, she found ways to save by becoming a talented seamstress, crafting her own home decor, and mastering home-cooked meals. She loved Chinese food, buttered popcorn jelly beans, lime rickies, enchiladas, and BYU mint brownies. As a grandmother, she had treats, prizes, crafts, and gifts on hand for when her grandchildren came to play.

Shortly after her 70th birthday, she was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s. She had been struggling with her memory for some time. Over the next six years, our darling Judy began to withdraw and the woman we knew disappeared piece by piece. Her family felt extremely blessed that she retained her sweet demeanor and loving nature. Even in her final stages as her memory failed her, she would light up as her children re-introduced themselves to her every few minutes. In true Judy fashion, she was able to show her children the same excitement to see them as she did when they arrived home from school each day.
The family feels extremely fortunate Judy was able to remain in her home for the majority of her time left to be cared for by her family. She spent her last two months at Beehive Homes of Draper. She passed away on Friday, May 26th, surrounded by family. She was 76 years old.

Judy is survived by her husband of 51 years, Kenneth Youngquist, and her 7 children and their spouses: Scott (Jennie) Youngquist, Angella (Jon) Rhodes, Jeff Youngquist, Erin Youngquist, Jennifer (Joshua) Covey, Lauren (Mylo) Fowler, Robyn (Taft) Foster, and her 28 grandchildren; Her siblings: Marilyn Nielson, Anthony (Wendy) Bentley, Ken Bentley, Elenor Foulger, Margaret (Doug) Horne, and Ronald (Beverly) Bentley.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, June 1st, 2023 at Larkin Sunset Gardens located at 1950 East Dimple Dell Rd (10600 South), Sandy, Ut. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, May 31st, from 6-8:00 pm at the same location and on Thursday, June 1st from 9 am-10:00 am prior to services. Online condolences are welcome. Larkinmortuary.com