Judy was born on May 1, 1948, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to the late Arthur Bobo and Olletta Marshall. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, La Don Kay Smith; and her brothers, Arthur “Butch” Bobo and John Dittmar.
On June 25, 1968, Judy married Don Smith; together, they had three children. She was a proud “Nana” to six 6 grandchildren who meant the world to her.
Judy is survived by her daughter, Michelle Linhares (Chris); her son, Don Smith (Lindy); her granddaughters, Savannah Linhares and Sierra Linhares; her grandsons, Noah Linhares, Zachary Smith, Zayne Smith, and Zayden Smith; her sister, Beatrice Anne Muchow (Dale), her nephew, Mike Muchow (Chrissy), great nephew Kyle Muchow and her brother, Joe Dittmar. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
For more than 20 years, Judy worked as a school bus driver for Chowchilla Elementary School District. Over the years, many adults would approach her and fondly remind her that they had ridden her bus when they were children. Judy worked hard throughout her life to provide for her family, holding several jobs along the way. She waited tables at the Tea Garden Restaurant, worked at the Chowchilla Bait Shop, managed Kenny’s Chicken, and later served as a pharmacy technician at DeWitt’s Drug Store. She was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran church and was a part of the Ladies Guild there, and also attended Life Change Church.
Judy loved spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed gift-giving and celebrating Christmas with her family and was known for filling the endless basket of candy at Easter. Her grandchildren, her “babies” meant the world to her. She had a tremendous love for all of her family and friends and had an amazing way of making everyone around her feel special and loved. She embodied the term, unconditional love.
Judy will be remembered for her warm heart, her sweet smile, her witty comments, her resilience, her faith, her strong work ethic, and the deep love she had for her family.
She was Nana to all!!!
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 4:00 pm, at the Faith Hall, 717 Robertson Boulevard, Chowchilla, California.
Please join us in remembering Nina "Judy" Jewel Smith by visiting our Memorial at www.wordenchapel.com
Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Smith and Linhares Family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Palm Memorial Worden Chapel, Lori Whatley, Funeral Arranger
