Judith Ann Beck Johnson,78, of Chandler, Arizona, died on December 3, 2022. She passed away peacefully at home with her two daughters by her side.
Judy was born in Salina, Utah on November 2, 1944, to Avery and Elvona Beck. She was the fourth of six children and loved being the youngest girl. Judy was raised on a farm, and farm life taught her the gritty lessons about how to survive with determination, resourcefulness, and a grateful heart. Judy’s love of the farm, and all that it encompassed, never left her. Her happiest days on this earth were the ones when she was sitting on her horse, followed by her dog (Ajax was her favorite), and enjoying God’s beautiful creation.
Judy graduated from Gunnison Valley High School in 1963, and married her childhood sweetheart, Gary Hill, on September 10, 1964. They had three children, Christopher Hill (Susan), Kimberli Kosar (Alvin), and Martha Player (Ladell). Although their marriage ultimately ended, Judy always carried a love and respect for the man she married. She would go on to marry again, but her wounds were deep and she was unable to find lasting love with a husband. She would, however, find love and deep satisfaction in other aspects of her life.
The resourcefulness and determination she learned on the farm were essential in her early years as a single mom. A woman providing for three young children in the 1970s was not an easy task. However, she quickly learned that her work ethic, talent, and warm personality made her a valuable employee. Over the years, Judy held numerous management positions at weight-loss clinics, heavy equipment companies, and the telecommunications industry. In her later years, she shared her administrative gifts with Desert Garden Montessori and Rock Point Church. She consistently over-achieved and received various professional commendations. However, her greatest contribution was always being a beloved, caring, and reliable co-worker.
Work wasn’t her passion, it was simply a means to an end. Family is truly what meant everything to Judy. The most important thing to her was to care for her children. They had been dealt some tough blows in life, and she worked hard to provide them with stability, opportunities, and love. She had a unique and special relationship with each of her children, and the spouses of each of her children. She was also a devoted daughter and niece, who showed extraordinary love and sacrifice in caring for her parents and beloved Aunt Vivian throughout their lives. However, it was her role as grandmother that brought her the greatest satisfaction in her later years. Dominique, Alexis, and Morgan were a source of great pride, deep love, and tremendous enjoyment. Judy also loved her step-grandchildren and their families: Joshua and Brittney (Alvin), and Brittany and Samantha (Ladell).
Judy lived out her final years with Kim and Alvin in Chandler, Arizona. It was in these years that she finally had physical rest from the constant hard work and striving that had marked her life. She enjoyed the big yard, her dogs, and her morning fire in the cooler months. However, what she most enjoyed about these last years was her growing and deepening faith. Her relationship with her Savior, Jesus Christ, became so personal and profound in her life. And, as the end drew near, it sustained her with blessed assurance as she embarked on her journey home. In her final 16 days of life, she taught her family what peace and surrender look like when it really matters.
Judy will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and neighbors. Her warm spirit, generous nature, and unique sense of humor left an indelible mark on those who knew her.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents Avery and Elvona, son Chris, sister Beverley Forrester, and brothers Paul, Sherman, Stephen, and James.
Judy is survived by son Chris’ wife, Susan and their daughter, Morgan (Spencer), daughter Kimberli (Alvin Kosar), daughter Martha (Ladell Player) and their daughters Dominique and Alexis.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the backyard of the home she loved at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 10, 2022. Please honor Judy by coming in casual, comfortable attire. The address is 12449 E Cloud Road, Chandler, Arizona, 85249. The service will be live-streamed via Marti’s Facebook. Her Facebook account is Marti Hill-Player.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah. You can make your memorial gift:
Online
https://bestfriends.org/donate/memory
By phone
435-919-3835 Option 1
By mail
Best Friends Animal Society
5001 Angel Canyon Road
Kanab, UT 84741
Attn: Juli Staley
