She is survived by her daughter April Rhodes (Michael Sanchez), niece Teresa Goodyear (Michael), nephews Frank Clem (Chris), Travis Clem (Allison), Jonathan Clem, and William A. Clem.
Judy was preceded in death by her husband Carl Rhodes, father Clarence Clem, mother Freida Clem, and brothers Bill Clem and Doug Clem.
Her family moved to Phoenix in 1940, living downtown four years. They then moved to Glendale, AZ where she attended Unit One Elementary (Landmark Elementary) from 1945 until her graduation in 1953. She then attended Glendale High School, graduating in 1957.
Judy served 44 years with the Glendale Public Library, beginning her journey as a Page while in high school, working for Velma Teague. After graduating high school, she was assigned to the reference desk. In 1964, Judy was promoted to the Cataloging Department, eventually becoming the department head in 1972. She often joked during those early years she knew everyone in town by their library card number.
During her leadership, her department was given multiple outstanding performance awards, along with accolades on the personal level. One of many highlights of this distinguished career was Judy’s early participation in the development of the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), a global, nonprofit library cooperative that provides shared technology services, research, and community programs. Judy retired in 1999.
Judy married Carl Rhodes on September 28, 1959. They raised their only child, April Rhodes, in the house that Carl built in 1972 on Frier Dr and 59th Avenue in Glendale. They all loved each other dearly, enjoyed traveling and entertaining. Judy and Carl were both a constant presence at all of April’s school and church activities.
Judy had a huge passion for music. A wonderful vocalist and pianist, she entertained and educated many in the craft. This included forming a band with friends and family that performed at a variety of venues across the valley. She especially enjoyed entertaining residents of private nursing homes as a duo with her brother Bill.
Judy was also quite skilled in crafts, including beadwork and crochet; always complimented on the intricate details of her artwork. She enjoyed selling her work at various craft fairs, but always derived the most pleasure by teaching her skills to others and gifting her projects.
A woman of enormous faith, Judy was a lifelong member of the church of Christ. She first attended and was baptized at the original location in Glendale at age 11. Her father became an elder in the 1950’s, when the family worshiped at the 35th Avenue and Lewis location, which later moved to 3750 W. Union Hills. She taught countless youth in Bible classes over many decades and was a major inspiration in her congregation’s music worship.
