Judith Mary McKellar, 79, born March 2, 1940 went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 surrounded by family and friends in her home. Judy was a Christ follower, loving wife of 58 years, mother of 5, grandmother of 12, gracious hostess, painter, musician, and friend. A viewing is being held June 10th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at Eternal Hills Mortuary. The funeral service is June 11th at 10:00am at Eternal Hills Mortuary followed by a burial site service.
Judy was born in the city of Chicago where she spent her younger years. In 1950 her father moved to Fontana, California and the family soon followed. Judy attended school in Fontana until the 9th grade. Judy’s father was a Jazz musician and music influenced their lives. She learned to play the accordion and performed in the Orange Show in San Bernardino. During this time Judy went on many tours with her Dad. They toured from 1953 until 1955 with Joe Lopez’s Music School.
In 1955, they went to visit family on her mother’s side in Ely, Minnesota and they ended up staying. There Judy started the 10th grade and graduated from Ely Memorial High School in 1958. During these high school years, Judy competed in synchronized swimming better known as the “water babes.” She earned first and second place medallions and was an honor student.
After high school, Judy went to Minneapolis to attend finishing school where she completed Escrow training for one year. After she graduated she got a job in Minneapolis. During this time her family moved back to California.
In 1959 Judy moved to California. She worked at Pioneer Title in San Bernardino as an Escrow Secretary. Here she met Lawrence “Bud” McKellar. They married in December 1960 and moved to Oceanside. Together they raised 5 children, three sons, Larry, Tim and Daniel and two daughters, Susan and Stephanie. As a homemaker Judy took great pride in her family and her home. Her home was filled with love and was always open to those in need. Neighborhood kids and foreign exchange students were a common presence around the house. She was involved in the church and bible studies. As a hobby she became talented at painting ceramics.
In 1989 Judy became a grandma for the first time. Over the next two decades she was blessed with 12 grandchildren. She helped raise each and every one of them from the time they were infants until they were taller than she was. She always had a hug, a smile and a warm heart waiting for them. Judy loved being surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was a loving wife and a devoted mother and grandmother.
Judy is preceded by her daughter Susan Johnson and her son Larry McKellar. Judy is survived by her husband Lawrence McKellar; her children Timothy McKellar, Stephanie Tannler, and Daniel McKellar; her daughter-in-laws Kara McKellar and Sara McKellar; her sons-in-laws Mike Johnson and Ben Tannler; her grandchildren Thomas McKellar, Holly Johnson, Ashlee McKellar, Michael Johnson, Jessica McKellar, Andrew Tannler, Benjamin Tannler, Madalyn McKellar, Annabelle McKellar, Susanne Tannler, Zoe McKellar-Mullen, and Penelope McKellar; her sister Janice Rudin and brother George LeDonne.
Judy left behind a great legacy and will be greatly missed.
