Judith Faye Anderson

Judith Faye Anderson

1936-2024

 Judy Anderson passed away unexpectedly on October 24, 2024 while traveling home from a joyful visit with family and friends in Indiana. She was 88 years old. Though we miss her dearly, we are comforted knowing she lived a beautiful, full life and is likely continuing her adventures in heaven, singing, dancing, and sharing laughter with loved ones who have gone before her. Judy was truly one of a kind—once you met her, you never forgot her. She was a woman ahead of her time and achieved so much in her 88 years. She lived fully, right to the end, going out with her boots on.

Judy was born at home in North Salem, Indiana, on August 29, 1936, to William H. and Juanita (Gleason) Klein. She grew up with her sister, Patricia, and they remained close throughout their lives. After high school, Judy married Byron Anderson on September 19, 1955, in Danville, Indiana. They raised three children: Myron Anderson (Danville, IN), Tracey Anderson (Moscow, ID), and Polly Anderson-Kaufmann (Tucson, AZ). She was blessed with grandchildren Sam, Jacquee, Chris, Michael, Nicolle, Jeff, and Kris, as well as great-grandchildren Mia, Hailey, Isaiah, Jerica, and Kaeleb. Judy is survived by her children Myron and his wife Debra, Tracey and his wife Sue, and Polly and her husband Ken; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Byron, her parents, her sister Patricia Pitman, and her significant other, John Payne.

Judy’s life was rich with love, family, and a passion for the things that brought her joy. Her unconditional love for her family was evident, especially in her relationships with her grandchildren, who adored her and made frequent visits to her home in Tucson. Her adventurous spirit shone brightly when, even at 82, she traveled to Japan to celebrate her grandson’s wedding.

After moving to Tucson in the 1980s, Judy found deep fulfillment in the desert landscape, nurturing a love for both gardening and music. Her desert garden became a haven, while her fiddle filled her home and community with joy. Even into her 80s, she was a force of nature—often spotted on her roof making repairs, balanced on a ladder with a chainsaw trimming trees, or paving her driveway by hand. An active member of the International Western Music Association, Judy was devoted to bluegrass and country swing, seizing every opportunity to share the vibrant sounds of her fiddle with those around her.

Through her musical journey, she built enduring friendships, often gathering with fellow musicians at local spots like Monterey Court, Arizona Fiddlers, and Cowboy Church. These weekly outings brought her immense happiness, allowing her to stay connected with a vibrant community and share her love for music. Judy’s life was a testament to the joy of staying active, pursuing one’s passions, and remaining surrounded by beloved family and cherished friends.

Though she seldom acknowledged her own accomplishments, Judy was also a dedicated academic. While raising a family, she earned multiple degrees—a Bachelor of Arts in 1969 and a Master of Arts in 1974 from Indiana Central College, a Crisis Intervention Certificate in 1981, an Arizona Teaching Certificate in 1982, and a Master of Education from the University of Arizona in 1983. She was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society in 1983. She was a source of great pride and inspiration for the women in her family.

Judy’s career reflected her deep love for teaching and service. She taught biology at Tri West High School in Lizton, Indiana, and later worked in crisis intervention at the University of Arizona and the Arizona Juvenile Correctional Facility. Eventually, she returned to teaching middle school biology in Tucson, where she was beloved by her students. Judy also volunteered extensively, contributing to the Witness Protection Program, the Arizona Border Patrol, her church, and numerous community events.

Fiercely independent and deeply patriotic, Judy unapologetically stood up for what she believed in, frequently writing letters to the President and state and national legislators to voice her beliefs on important issues. Her passion and fearlessness inspired her family, who will always remember her determination and commitment to live life on her terms. She brought joy and laughter to every room with her infectious smile and energy, and her family is comforted knowing that she really lived.

Please join us in celebrating Judy’s life on November 20, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Marana Mortuary & Cemetery. We will gather with music and cherished memories to honor the extraordinary woman she was.