Judith Staudenmeyer

Judith Annette Forsythe Staudenmeyer

Judy Staudenmeyer passed away peacefully on December 29, 2023, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Judy was born April 26, 1943, in Butte, Montana, to June Roe and Andy Forsythe. As a young girl, she spent summers in the Centennial Valley on the 7L Ranch, where she worked alongside her father and the ranch hands. Judy attended the Doyle School in the Centennial Valley, Armstead School in, Armstead, Montana, Bagley School in Dillon, Montana, and Beaverhead County High School in Dillon, Montana. Judy graduated from Rowland Hall School in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she attended for two years.

On the ranch, Judy drove a buck rake with speed, skill, and precision. She sped along with a load of hay, her ponytail flying, all while thoroughly enjoying the challenge of keeping the fork on the beaver slide filled and busy. She was equally skilled on the back of a horse, whether it be moving cattle, or leading a group of dudes on a mountain ride. She had a tender heart, always wanting to take care of everyone, so she always wanted to become a nurse. In preparation, she was the gal who always had the syringe in her hand, vaccinating the calves during branding. There was a tradition at the 7L ranch after the brandings, all involved would enjoy music and dancing after all the work was done. Judy played the piano accompanying the lively singers and dancers.

Judy and Bill's romance started after Bill had rode across the valley to help Judy and her family move cattle. After a summer of courtship, Judy went off to college at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, returning home after a few days to prepare for their wedding. Bill and Judy celebrated 62 years of marriage, on November 25, 2023.

Judy was an excellent ranch wife and skilled cook. She prepared meals for hay, harvest crews, and cowboys on the trail. Judy's signature cooking appliance was the BBQ located in the woodshed behind the house in the Centennial Valley. After a long day of work, the crew would look forward to smoke billowing from the woodshed, indicating a delightful home-cooked meal was sure to come. In the morning, the crew would wake to the smell of fresh coffee on the stove and homemade sourdough pancakes. The crew included the beloved ranch dogs, who would eagerly wait out the front door for their share of the breakfast, which included two platters of syrup coated pancakes. The dogs were very well-behaved during breakfast due to Judy's training technique, which included a wooden spoon, shaken in haste if any of the dogs misbehaved.

Judy prepared nutritional and tasty meals for her family, and gorgeous feasts for dinner guests. She could easily whip up a batch of cookies to delight the children or to accompany a cup of coffee for a neighbor who might drop by for conversation. She enjoyed meeting ladies and helping them enhance their natural beauty with Mary Kay products. She attended several Mary Kay conventions. Judy never forgot a birthday, anniversary, or special event in the lives of those who were close to her.

Judy was a wonderful grandmother and prioritized her life to take the kids on trips, teach them new skills, and follow their extracurricular activities. Some of the best driving lessons were given on the road headed into the Centennial Valley. Memorable evenings were spent in the homemade "hot tub" outside the house in the Centennial, followed by a campfire and marshmallows. Winters included ski lessons, where the kids chose to spend their half-hour of free time skiing with Grandma Judy. Judy never forgot to bring ingredients for her specialty post-skiing slushie, which included Maverick Mountain snow and juice.

Judy is survived by her loving husband Bill Staudenmeyer, daughter, Debbie Tamcke (Tom), son, Will Staudenmeyer (Patti Jo), daughter, Heidi Peterson (M.D.), daughter, Sheila Maisano (Joe), grandchildren, great grandchildren, sister, Effie Abrams, brother, Andrew Forsythe, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held Jan. 10, 2024, at 12:00 pm at The Den, 725 North Montana Street Dillon, Montana.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to Friends of the Fair 4H Building, 2 South Pacific Street Suite 11, Dillon, Mt. 59725, or HoneyBee Hospice, 1000 State Hwy. 91 South, Dillon, Mt. 59725