Judith Ann Henke

Judy was born to James and Arlene Lee on January 30, 1947, in Eads, CO. Her family moved to Beaver, OK, where she made lifelong friends in junior high. In 1963 the family relocated to Security- Widefield, CO. Judy met John Henke in their sophomore biology class and graduated from Widefield High School in 1965. Judy and John fell deeply in love and were married on June 17, 1967. They began a wonderful life together and Judy would become the most important person in John’s life. Judy had a variety of jobs – accountant, teacher’s aide and secretary – but none were more important to her than being a mother to her sons, Jeff and Jay.

Judy was always very active. She enjoyed golfing, traveling and even hiking some fourteeners, but for Judy nothing compared to her time spent walking. She kept in great shape by diligently walking 5 miles every day, regardless of the weather. She was known by people in Security as “The Walker Lady”.

After early retirement from Widefield School District, she and John enjoyed traveling all over North America in their truck and fifth wheel trailer. They visited wonderful national and state parks and met many fellow RVers who remain friends to this day.

In 2010 Judy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a terrible progressive disease that took away her ability to walk, forcing her into a wheelchair. In 2013 she was told she also had Parkinson’s Disease – another insidious progressive disease.

In 2017 Judy and John left their Security home of 45 years and moved to Fort Collins, home to Jeff and Jay and their families. They enjoyed many birthday parties, holidays and sports events. But eventually the Parkinson’s progressed to the point that she had to move to Centre Ave, a long-term care facility. It was there that she was cared for by many kind and loving people. While Parkinson’s may have taken her body, her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

Judy is survived by her husband of 58 years, John, her sons Jeff (Robin) and Jay (Sheala) and four wonderful grandchildren: Canyon, Cache, Brodie and Quetzal. She is also survived by her brothers Ron (Carolyn) and Eldon (Dee) and a niece and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Arlene Lee, and brothers Gary and John.

We would like to thank her doctors, the staff of Centre Ave and all her many friends for their love and support. There will be a family gathering in the future to celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Parkinson’s Association of the Rockies. https://parkinsonrockies.org