“Gentle Teacher, Wise Professor” best describes Dr. Judith Hakes, retired professor with the Department of Teacher Education at Angelo State University (ASU) in San Angelo, Texas. Dr. Hakes passed away March 4, 2025, in San Angelo, at the age of 85. She taught at ASU for over 31 years, serving as Director of the M.A. “Curriculum and Instruction Program for Elementary Education” while teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in reading methods, social studies, language arts, and multicultural education. When her 1985 interview at the university ended in a warm welcome and a firm Texas handshake, she knew she had finally “come home.” And what a home San Angelo has been for this beloved professor who educated many teachers in the local area, often sharing her advice to “close the door and teach!”
Judith Ann Hakes was born December 31, 1939, in Albion, Michigan, to Carl Martin Hakes, Sr., a master carpenter, contractor and musician, and Eva Raser Hakes, an elementary school teacher and 4-H leader. A 1957 graduate of Jonesville High School (MI), Judy was an accomplished musician at a young age, playing piano, saxophone, clarinet, and accordion. She played saxophone for dances beginning at age 14, was the saxophonist for The Four Clovers band, was a 4-H member, and worked as a summer camp counselor at O.C. Kimball Camp near Reading, MI.
Judy attended University of Michigan and Jackson Junior College before earning her Elementary Education Teaching Certificate in 1964 from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. It was here that she realized she could combine her love for children with her interest in teaching different topics. She went on to earn her M.A. in Elementary Education in 1968, also from the University of Northern Colorado. In 1974, she earned her PhD from the University of Colorado in Boulder, with concentrations in Elementary Education and Native American education, with emphasis in Content Areas, Children’s Literature, and Curriculum.
Her extensive research on teaching techniques and curriculum has been published in many educational journals and presented at major conventions and international conferences, including the International Reading Association and the National Council for the Social Studies. At least 23 such presentations were with Dr. Marilyn Eisenwine. Judy recently completed a manuscript on creative teaching methods and projects, also in collaboration with “Dr. E.”
Judy paid her way through college by working as a waitress, playing saxophone for dance bands, substitute teaching, and supervising student teachers. Her first teaching position was in Woodland Park, Colorado (1964-1970), where her fifth-grade students knew her as Miss Hakes. She inspired students by helping them create their own learning materials for such special projects as the study of the Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellers. She composed special songs for her “sing along/learn along” method of studying folk heroes like Pecos Bill and Joe Magarac, Man of Steel, and composed a special song to honor the life of President John F. Kennedy. Outside the classroom, she founded and directed the Woodland Park Elementary School Choir.
In the ten years she lived in New Mexico, Dr. Hakes served as Assistant Professor and Human Services Director at San Juan College in Farmington, and as teacher and Curriculum Development Specialist for Kindergarten Korner in Albuquerque. She went on to teach on the Navajo Reservation; served as Curriculum Development Specialist and Project Director for the All-Indian Pueblo Council in Albuquerque; and served as Education Specialist for the Pueblo of Laguna. This led her to testify before the U.S. Congress on issues involving Native Americans of the Southwest. She was also a Private Educational Consultant to Title VII Projects in New Mexico and taught summer school at the University of New Mexico.
Judy was an award-winning pipe carver, having competed in regional and international pipe-carving competitions. As an accomplished wood carver, Judy served on ASU’s 1995 committee to create the University Mace of native woods—Judy carved the mesquite inlay of a Rambouillet ram.
Judy was also a furniture maker, jewelry designer, artist, and author. As a musician, she played other such instruments as banjo, guitar, violin, and harp. Having mastered the hammered dulcimer and learned dulcimer-making from her dad, she built 14 dulcimers and founded the Concho Cousins Dulcimer Club, serving as director and dulcimer teacher. She was an accomplished archer, having competed with the recurve bow in archery competitions in Texas and the Southwest, advancing as far as runner-up in the Texas-wide senior age group. Judy also loved sewing, cooking and entertaining.
Dr. Hakes was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Eva Hakes; brother Carl (& Judy Hodge) Hakes II; brother Howard (& Judy Burgess) Hakes; niece Tammy Hakes; nephew Tim Byrum; brothers-in-law Stan Chapman and Tom Martin. She is survived by brother Danny (Kathy) Hakes and sisters Edith Chapman, Trinka Hakes (Alexander) Noble, and Eva Martin, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and great-great nieces and great-great nephews. Judy is survived by good friends Dr. Marilyn Eisenwine, Sandy Pedersen, and many others. She was preceded in death by lifelong friend Marjorie Solsvig McMain, whose children Greg (Jeanie), Lerre, LuAnn and Keith have always held a special place in Judy’s heart, along with their children and grandchildren. Judy was a lifelong owner and lover of dogs, and is survived by two sister Chiweenies, Koko and Schatzi.
First and foremost, and with deepest gratitude, the family and friends of Dr. Judith A. Hakes give special recognition to her loyal and dedicated caregivers, Anna Guerra, Becky Martinez, and David Molina. Thanks and heartfelt recognition go to Dr. Herrington, Shannon Hospital doctors and nurses, CenterWell’s kind and skilled home health nurses, and all the staff at Cedar Manor, Lyndale Senior Living, and Gentiva Hospice. Our deepest appreciation also goes to everyone at Johnson’s Funeral Home.
On March 29, 2025, at Johnson’s Funeral Home (San Angelo), a tribute to Judy will be held at 2 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life “open house” until 4 p.m. (A Celebration of Life will be held in Michigan at a later date.) Memorials may be made to the Angelo State University Foundation for general scholarships, to the D. E. Spotts Scholarship (4251 Jonesville Rd., Jonesville, MI 49250), or to a charity of your choice.
Judy, we honor your life well lived and love you and miss you. Rest in Peace
