Judith Putnam
May 02, 2012
Judith (“Judy”) Kaye Putnam passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2012 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, IA due to complications from breast cancer and other illness.
Judy was born in Washington, IA to Harold and Lois Putnam on April 14th, 1941. Judy was their only child and enjoyed her time with cousins and other extended family immensely. Judy often recounted fond childhood memories of playing with inmates of the Washington County jail, as her father was the county sheriff and her mother the cook for the jail. Judy cultivated a love of nature and animals at an early age, including, as pets, a dog named Peaches and a parakeet named Ike. Judy always did well in school and was a member of the National Honor Society as well as an active participant in Thespians, various choirs and the art club. She also played the clarinet.
When Judy was 16, she met Larry Walker, a friend’s cousin. She and Larry dated for the next two years and then married in San Bernadino, California on December 22nd, 1959. They honeymooned at Disneyland in Anaheim. Shortly after the wedding, Judy returned to Iowa to study art at the University of Iowa on a merit scholarship while Larry was stationed in California. Beginning in 1960, Judy and Larry spent time living in Yokosuka, Japan where Larry was stationed with the US Navy. Judy enjoyed this time immensely as she was able to fully explore her artistic talents and gain exposure to new cultures. Judy and Larry returned to the US in 1963 and made their home in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa where they both worked at International Resistance Company. Larry was involved in a head-on collision on his way home from work during the night of August 10th, 1966 which claimed his life. Judy returned to her studies at the University of Iowa where she studied sociology and psychology and then graduated with her B.A. in Social Work in 1970.
From 1971 to 1973, Judy was employed by the Mental Health Institute in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa as a chemical dependency counselor. In 1973, Judy began her nearly 30 year career with the Iowa Department of Human Services. Judy worked in the areas of adoption, child abuse investigation and in-home health care income maintenance. Judy was an active participant of the UE Local 893 union. She was always very proud of her union work and made many friends through the union.
In 1978, Judy gave birth to her only child, JoLynn. Judy had always longed for children and was thrilled about the birth of her daughter. Judy was a good mother and a wonderful grandmother. She was quite proud of her daughter and her granddaughters.
Judy was an honest and welcoming person and her warmth will be sorely missed by those she has left behind.
Judy was preceded in death by her father, Harold M Putnam; Mother, Lois K (Holland) Putnam; beloved Aunt Faye (Holland) Kochneff and Uncle Al Kochneff; her husband, Larry Evan Walker; and JoLynn’s father, Eddie Barnes.
Survivors are her daughter, JoLynn Evans; son-in-law, Rich Evans; granddaughters, Laila and Jaida Evans; step-granddaughter, Daijza Williams-Evans; much loved dog, Sammi; and beloved cousins: Dan Holland, Kay Rothman, Marjorie Rooks, Lee Kochneff, Bill Kochneff, Nancy Kochneff and their families.
Memorial donations may be directed to www.joshuacasteel.com or to http://www.katiescrusaders.org/ Joshua is a friend of JoLynn’s who is fighting stage 4 lung cancer. Katie’s Crusaders is an Iowa organization that helps local families dealing with breast cancer. Nicole McComas a friend of the family, offered great support to Judy and JoLynn; even through her own fight with breast cancer. Nicole is one of Katie’s Crusaders this year.
Online condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
The Mitchell Family
06/20/2012
JoLynn, been thinking of you so often lately. I will think of your momma every year on my birthday as she passed the same day I was born. I pray that things are going well for you and the girls and each day you will find renewed strength to face the days without her. I know how hard it is. Though time seems to mend, it never completely takes the pain away. Love and prayers and our thoughts are with you. Love, Marty, Angie, Max, and Griffyn Mitchell
Dan Holland
05/11/2012
From my family and myself, our sympathy and condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mother, my Cousin Judy.
Linda Evans Letson
05/11/2012
My deepest sympathy to family. Judy and I were good girl friends and I introduced her to her husband, my cousin, Larry Walker. With Respect. Linda
Suzanne Crawford
05/09/2012
JoLynn, I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother. I know you were close and were there for her during her illnesses. I'll be praying for you.
Cinna Lewis
05/08/2012
JoLynn I want to send you all my deepest condolences, sympathy, and prayers. You and your mother were among the nicest people I met during my childhood and I'll always treasure that.
Sylvia Kelley Blood
05/08/2012
JoLynn the last time I saw you I think you were 6 or 7. I was so sorry to read about your mom's passing. I worked with her at DHS and through the Union. She loved you dearly and was always so proud of your accomplishments. Know that she had many friends,In solidarity Sylvia
JoLynn Glanzer MD
05/08/2012
JoLynn, Dr.Nelson saw your mother's obituary in the paper. I am sorry for your loss, I know you and your mother faced many problems together. I consider it a privilege to have known your mom for years. She had many overwhelming problems ,but always had a great attitude towards them. I'm very happy for you that she was able to move close by and interact with your family. Sincerely, JoLynn Glanzer
Mary Chmelar
05/07/2012
Judy was my friend in high school, a summer lifeguard buddy, and a hall mate at the University of Iowa. I am saddened upon learning that she has left us. God bless your family in the sad days ahead.
The Morrisons
05/07/2012
Many of us who were raised in the Lincoln Elem School area of Washington knew Judy and her parents well. Sincere condolences.
Amber O'Shogay
05/06/2012
I was very saddened to hear of your mom's passing. Many prayers are sent to you and your family during this difficult time.
The Heater's
05/06/2012
Rob, Jess, & I are so very sad to hear about your loss. Know that we'll be thinking about you in the difficult days to come.
Andrea Zeck Bailey
05/06/2012
May your family receive our prayers for peace and comfort in your loss of Judy. She was a classmate in high school of my husband, Bruce and me. We are sorry for your loss.