In heartfelt memory of Judy Ellis: Donate to her church

My name is Jordan Decker, born Ellis. The beautiful young lady in the photo is my Grandmother. Judy Ellis. She passed away October 12th, 2024 unexpectedly in her home, with her loving husband of 50+ years, Mike Ellis and their dog Lexi in her lap. She is survived by two children Kevin Ellis and Michelle Decker as well as 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren who will forever feel the sadness of the hole left as well as gratitude for knowing such a kind and strong woman.

She was an officer in the Air Force stationed at Mountain Home in Idaho, originally from Minnesota. While serving as a nurse she met her future husband Mike Ellis, a dental assistant in the Air Force, and began a journey not for the faint of heart. In December during a snowstorm, she was hit by a truck in her VW bug and had to be life flighted to Texas where she remained in a coma for some time. When she woke, she was told the news she would never walk again and more soul crushing that she would never have kids and a family she dreamed of having. The story should end there but not for Judy, not for my grandmother. Over the next few years, she learned to move all over again starting at the beginning, learned to talk all over again and then proceeded to prove all the doctors wrong and walk not just a little but phenomenally with only a walker. That was not enough though, despite the miracle of all of that she proceeded to accomplish her goal of having a family being a mother to not just one kid but two. She did not take a backseat during motherhood either, often times seen riding her bike around with her kids in her basket taking them to DQ or another event they had. She cooked meals, did laundry, helped with homework and was never absent in their lives while taking care of Mike in addition. Nothing short of superwoman and wonder woman she never stopped being selfless and caring for every single person around her without ever complaining about her ailments.

With all she had on her plate, all the setbacks life threw at her she never lost her faith. A woman of God, Mike and she built their house right next to Zion Lutheran church so she could attend every Sunday and attend she did. Rain, snow, Sleet, Heat (for Idaho) every single Sunday she could be seen in her motorized scooter heading to the service to give thanks for the life she had despite all that happened. Mike could even be seen shoveling the snow in front of her for a walk way all the way to church so she could go, what a sight they were. She only ever missed a service when she was traveling to visit family in other parts of Idaho or Arizona. She was a faithful and committed person of faith to the same church for 50 years, she was a constant in the community so much so that they installed a wheelchair ramp and handicap button for automatic doors just for her. There was a sign posted for the congregation every Sunday, that said Watch for Judy, so everyone could keep an eye out and be lucky enough to get that friendly smile and hello with genuine care and compassion we all should strive for.

She lived her life every single day in pain, discomfort, and limits many of us couldn't handle. She however was always smiling and you never heard her utter a single word of complaint or self-loathing. She was tougher than the word tough can describe. She was thoughtful and completely selfless while having the savagery to attack every single challenge with a smile, faith, and a how lucky am I attitude. She taught me many things and not with words but actions and follow through. This is the first thanksgiving without her, so I am honoring her memory in the way that best showcases what she taught me, resilience through pain and discomfort. With 60lbs on I will be running a 10K on November 28th, Thanksgiving Day, with gratitude for every step taken in discomfort and pain with a smile on my face and love in my heart. I ask for a donation to her church, Zion Lutheran church in small town Burley Idaho, which was her second home for so many years. ALL proceeds given will go directly to the church. If you have read this far, her entire family and I thank you for your time and we hope this story can give you strength in times of struggle. Don't forget to smile, it is a beautiful day full of growth not to be taken for granted. Blessings to all.