Judith Cameron

Judith “Judy” Fern Wood Cameron, 78, died Thursday, November 5, 2015 at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, November 9 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Services will be 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, at Union Park United Methodist Church, 2305 E 12th Street in Des Moines, Iowa with burial at Oakwood Cemetery in Pleasant Hill, Iowa.

Judy, daughter of Glen Ivor Wood and Bertha (“Marie”) Schutz Wood Groomes, was born in Red Oak, Iowa, on October 21, 1937. In early elementary, her family moved to the family farm in Macksburg, IA. Always the competitor, Judy was known for her “signature” right handed hook shot as she led her high school basketball team. The oldest of four girls, Judy had a loving and nurturing heart. Her gracious attitude and ability to empathize with others made her a devoted and caring, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend.

Judy married her childhood sweetheart, Richard (“Rich”) Cameron, on June 17, 1956 in Macksburg, Iowa. Upon marrying, Rich and Judy moved to the Des Moines area to begin their new life together. The two were to celebrate their 59th wedding anniversary on June 17 of this year, which fell 18 days after Rich’s death on May 30. She was his loving caregiver as he battled various health issues these last four years. Judy and Rich were blessed with four children, Dennis, Denise, Diane and Dawn.

The family enjoyed many wonderful activities together, including cross country vacations in their pop-up tent and boating at the Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake. Judy and Rich also enjoyed many domestic and international travel experiences with their sisters and their husbands as well as with good friends. For over twenty years Judy was the Office Manager at Douglas Elementary School in Des Moines, Iowa. Even after retirement in 2003, she cherished the time spent with dear friends from her “school” days.

Service and compassion to others was Judy’s mission in life. She enjoyed coaching youth athletic teams and being a Camp Fire Girl Leader and Sunday School Teacher. Judy and Rich attended hundreds of sporting events and activities at East High School in support of their children. As their children grew and attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, Judy and Rich became avid Cyclone Fans. Spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren were their utmost passion and they so enjoyed attending their various school and recreational events in the areas where they lived.

Faith and grace were always an important part of Judy’s life and a true legacy that she leaves for her family. She was a long-time member of Union Park United Methodist Church. Her faith was further exemplified in the way she raised her family, her many capacities she served at church, and in the way she handled the ups and downs of life. Judy was an inspiration to everyone and she strived to live each day with a joyous and thankful heart.

Judy is survived by her three daughters and daughter-in-law, Denise Lorber (Dave) of Canton, Michigan, Diane Conley (Steve) of Overland Park, KS, Dawn Carico (Brian) of Johnston, Iowa, and Jodi Cameron of Urbandale, Iowa; her eight grandchildren, Michael Cameron (Kelli), Stephanie Andersen (Justin), Timothy Conley, Alison Dulle (Jacob), Dana Lorber, Andrea Cameron, Eric Lorber and Kate Carico; her four great-grandchildren, Tyler Cameron, Owen Andersen, Payton Andersen and Blake Cameron; her three sisters, Bev Eyerly, Janet Carlson (Ernie) and Barb Buckles; her sisters-in-law, Ora Kathleen Austin, Annie Ross (Don) and Janet Cameron; and many other supportive and loving extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rich Cameron; her parents, Glen Wood and Marie Groomes; step-father, Franklin Groomes; her parents-in-law, Charles and Nellie Cameron; her son, Dennis Cameron; her grandson, Cameron Carico; and her brothers-in-law, Merle Blair, Lee Austin, Ken Buckles and Gary Eyerly.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Union Park United Methodist Church, the Cameron Carico +10 Foundation, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of choice.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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