Obituary of Judy Jaklich

Judy Ann Boyle was born on March 9, 1947 during a blizzard in Dalhart, Texas to Frank and Clara Boyle. Her brother, Robert, named her Judy Ann. Judy attended grade school and junior high in Dalhart. She joined the First Baptist Church and was baptized when she was 10 years old. Judy spent many hours in the church in her preteen years. In 1954, Judy’s younger brother, Jimmy, joined the family. In 1961 the family moved to a ranch southwest of Limon. Judy started high school with the class of 1965 in August. She was active in high school, participating in many extra curricular activities. She was also a member of the Order of Rainbow Girls, achieving the post of Worthy Advisor, and was also a Grand Page at the State Assembly. In 1965 Judy married John Jaklich. Two children were born to this marriage; John Troy and Brenda Charlene. When the marriage ended, Judy continued to raise her children on the family ranch. Judy was very active in her children’s school and all of their outside activities. Judy’s nephew, Matt, spent many summers and holidays with the family. Judy worked for the Limon Leader as typesetter and ad salesperson, Farmers Home Administration as the office manager and then at Equitable Savings and Loan as Branch Manager. In 1989, an opportunity to move to Lakewood became available and Judy was appointed as State Director of The Farmers Home Administration, Department of Agriculture by former Senator Hank Brown. Judy served in this position until 1992 when she became Rural Development Coordinator for the new Rural Development Administration. She retired from the federal government in 2002 after suffering a broken back injury during a car wreck. Judy’s retirement years were filled with many happy, fun days with her six grandchildren. Jenna, 9, was her first baby girl with long brown hair and brown eyes. Grandma Judy learned about Thomas the tank engine and art. They shared their love of horses with Jaley, 9, and played Barbies, dress up and pet shop. John, 7, was next and her first grandson. She learned all about Bionicles, played cars and Legos and began watching her first grandkids baseball and football games all over again. Grandma Judy Fridays were a special play day. Jordyn, 6, was next and the dolls, gymnastics and dancing started. Then Jamisen, 5, her happy little girl brought even more things for Grandma to learn. They colored and played pets and dolls together. Then her baby boy Jacob, 2 1/2 was born and he taught Grandma all about Lightning McQueen and more Thomas and hot wheels cars. During the summer Judy planned horse camps for the two older girls, gymnastics, dance and art for Jordyn and Jamie and Denver Broncos tickets for John. Jake learned along with all the other kids to swim at Grandma’s pool. Many warm summer days were spent swimming and playing at Grandma’s. Christmas Eve was celebrated at Judy’s each year with a Christmas play performed by the kids, reading the Christmas story from the Bible and opening presents. The kids said it was their favorite time of year at Grandma’s house. As you can see, Judy’s favorite days were spent with her grandchildren. Judy also enjoyed traveling and spent fun-filled days exploring other countries with friends. She loved the ocean and waterfalls, dolphins, whales and fish, flowers and roses, swimming, reading and visiting with friends. Through her travels and work she was fortunate to meet new friends from all over the United States and kept in touch with them for over 30 years. Judy was diagnosed with gastric cancer in August, 2010. She passed away Sunday, December 26, 2010 after a wonderful Christmas day with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Clara Boyle and brother Jim Boyle. Judy is survived by her children, Troy and wife Stephanie, and daughter, Brenda Benedict and her husband Brandon, her six grandchildren, Jenna, Jaley, John, Jordyn, Jamisen and Jacob; her brother Robert and his wife Micki, nephew Matt Boyle, Aunt Mary and Uncle Fred Baker, Aunt Mary Bailey, many cousins and friends. She was honored to have her many friends and relatives as honorary pallbearers.