Judith Ruth Rives

Judy's beautiful life was grounded in love, compassion, and enlightenment. Judy and her identical twin sister and best friend, Joan, were brought into this world on June 25 to parents Harold Robert and Rose Mathilda Distler. The twins and their siblings, Sue, Michael, Annie, and Chris, grew up in Oklahoma City. Judy was raised on a small farm and has always had a warm heart for animals and a heartfelt connection with her extended family. She graduated from Putnam City High School, and attended Central State University. In Oklahoma City, she lovingly raised her three children, Debbie, Doug, and Steve, from her marriage with Phillip Robison. Her life was dedicated and committed to her children. She worked for Tinker Air Force Base and served a long career in the US Post Office. Judy's customers at the Post Office remember her cheerful smile and warm welcome. That was also where she met her partner, friend, love of her life, and husband of 41 years, Wayne Rives.

Judy had a rich and meaningful life. She was a dedicated supporter of many causes over the decades. Judy was an active member of Mensa. As a supporter and volunteer for the Aids Foundation in its early days, she began her life work in service of others. She was the President of the Oklahoma National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), a cause she was most passionate about. Judy, in partnership with her husband Wayne, contributed to the safety and well-being of those in need.

Judy always sought truth and light and saw her life as a spiritual journey. In her later years she shared her love and passion for meditation with her beloved Unity Spiritual Life Center and Friends of Lotus communities teaching meditation class. Her dear students treasured her unconditional acceptance and spiritual guidance. In addition, Judy was an avid reader searching for wisdom and knowledge and shared this passion for reading with her adored grandchildren, Brad, Betsy, Blake, Tereza, Albert and Silvanna.

Judy is remembered with love by her husband, Wayne Rives, and her children, Debbie and Doug Robison (Annette); grandchildren Brad, Betsy, and Blake Robison; stepson, Anthony Rives (Silvia); grandchildren Tereza, Albert (great granddaughter Luna Bella), and Silvanna; sisters Sue Durkee, Joan Foreman, Annie Distler, Christie Ramsey, many loving nieces and nephews and sweet puppy Mackie. She is now rejoined in eternal life with her youngest son Stephen.

In celebration of her life, Judy's family would be grateful to those who would choose to provide a donation in her honor for Unity Spiritual Life Center.

Please feel welcome to join the celebration of Judy's life on Saturday, May 27 at 11 AM at Unity Spiritual Life Center, 5603 NW 41st Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73122.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chapelhill-okc.com for the Rives family.