Judith Joy Smith

Judith Joy Smith was born October 26, 1944, in Charles City, Iowa. She was the daughter of LeRoy and Kathryn (Rurup) Smith. Judy moved to Des Moines in 1962 after her high school graduation. Her first job was with Meredith Corporation as a Legal Secretary for 16 years. She went on to serve as Executive Assistant and Legal Secretary for John Carey Oil Company, drillers and oil explorers, and retired from Mid American Group in 2010 after 21 years of faithful service.

Judy’s interests were varied and she was active in many organizations. She served as past President for American Business Women’s Association Challenge Chapter, past President for Executive Women International Des Moines Chapter, and was named Outstanding Young Woman of America in 1974.

She enjoyed traveling the world, frequenting Texas, Hawaii, Florida and Arizona, and especially loved her trip to Greece. Judy liked playing board games and card games, especially Pitch and cribbage, and also liked to indulge in a nice glass of Chardonnay. She was a lifelong avid Iowa Hawkeye fan.

Judy passed away peacefully on December 14, 2018, surrounded by her loving family at Kavanagh House. She was 74 years old.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines from from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. with a time of sharing at 2:00 p.m. Judy’s urn will be interred at Mariposa Gardens in Mesa, AZ at a later date. She and her family respectfully ask that you wear your Iowa Hawks gear or your favorite team apparel to her Celebration of Life.

Judy will be lovingly remembered by her brother, Dennis (Joan) Smith of Charles City, IA; brother, Bill (Karla) Smith of Council Bluffs, IA; sister-in-law, Sally Smith of Mesa, AZ; nine nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Larry Smith; parents, Kathryn and LeRoy Smith; longtime companion, Joe Kirk; nephew, Daniel Smith; and her fur babies, BB, Magic, Sam and Gabe.

Contributions in Judy’s name are suggested to Kavanagh House, Executive Women International, or to a charity of the donors’ choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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