Judith Ann Johnson

After a long battle with ALS, Judy finally lost her life to the disease. Even when dealing with a degenerative illness, Judy never lost her optimism.  She consistently made the best of every situation, was quick to laugh, and spread joy to those around her.  Everyone that knew her always said that she was the kindest person they knew.  She was an excellent wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and neighbor and will be missed greatly.

Judy was a welcoming and warm-hearted person. She was always happy to chat up cashiers in a grocery store line, offer a compliment to a stranger on the street, and a kind smile to everyone she passed.  She made several new friends waiting for Disney World to open on July 4th, and in every line throughout the day.

Judy was born in El Paso, Texas because it was the closest hospital to the tiny New Mexico town she grew up in.  After some years in New Mexico, she eventually lived in California, graduating HS in 1969. She also lived in Colorado and Arizona but ultimately settled back in New Mexico with Chris.

They were married in 1979. Lived in the same house in Rio Rancho for most of their 42 years together. The Johnson house was a home for elder relatives, a home for their children, a refuge for friends, and playground for countless pets and wildlife.  Mrs. Johnson ensured everyone got a good meal and a bed to sleep in.  She loved having a full house and others to chat with.

She loved to travel with her husband, Chris. Her favorite trip was their Africans Safari to Tanzania. At home she enjoyed playing a wide variety of games with her friends and family.  She was quick to adapt to new and exciting games to play with her grandchildren and never passed up the opportunity to gather everyone around the game table.

At her graduation party (UNM 2010), Judy was so happy surrounded by friends and family.
"I don't want to be anywhere else right now," she said, wearing her red graduation gown.
And that is where she was happiest, amidst the chaos of social gatherings.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Chris. She is survived by her children, Andrea and Matthew, Buckley and Shaelee; grandchildren, Kaleb and Zoe; and her older sisters, Peggy and Jan.

Judy will always be remembered for her kindness and hospitality. We will miss you.