Judie K. Stewart, 78

Judith “Judie” Katharine (Van Winkle) Stewart left this earthly life on Oct. 31, 2021, at the age of 78. She passed away at Logan Health Medical Center.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene, 1295 Whitefish Stage, Kalispell.

She was born on June 13, 1943, to Henry Alonzo and Zelda Matilda (Page) Van Winkle in Jamestown, North Dakota.

Judie graduated from McHenry High School in 1961. She went to Bismarck Junior College for two years and graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota, in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education degree. During this time she met the love of her life, Gordon Stewart, and they married in 1964 in Linton, North Dakota. They recently celebrated 57 years together.

Upon completion of college, she signed her first teaching contract in Kalispell. In her 30 years of teaching she taught at the Elrod, Russell and Edgerton elementary schools in the Flathead Valley. She was Teacher of the Year for Kalispell Public Schools in 1983 and she helped author an elementary textbook for children’s learning.

Judie was a former member of the Epworth United Methodist Church and has been a member of the First Church of the Nazarene for the past 15-plus years. Her faith has never wavered and she spent many hours reading the Scriptures and talking to God daily.

After retirement, she began to enjoy her life by cooking up a storm. She loved hosting parties and feeding friends and family. Every person received a huge welcome into her and Gordon’s home. People will remember her lavish Christmas parties and pies at Easter.

Judie loved living life to the fullest! Laughter and a little teasing was her natural way. Music made her world go around. Her passions were traveling the world, swimming like a fish in the water (especially the ocean), decorating her home inside and out, and being a clothes addict. Her motto was “Shop ‘til you drop.”

Judie was part of the Montana Educators Association, Montana Retired Educators Association and Flathead Valley Democratic Women’s Association. She held various offices over the years with all of them.

She joined TOPS and during her time being a member had lost over 100 pounds. She was the Montana TOPS’ State Queen in 2017. She then represented the state of Montana at the International TOPS Convention in Montreal and was a member of the Red Hat Society.

Judie was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Zelda; and siblings, Ruth Soma, Eugene Van Winkle and Stewart Van Winkle; and two nephews and two nieces.

Judie is survived by her husband, Gordon; and sister, Sandie (Larry Sr.) Laney

of Verona, North Dakota; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

She leaves you with all her love.

At her request, in lieu of flowers, Judie requested donations to the First Church of the Nazarene, Humane Society of Northwest Montana, Epworth United Methodist Church or Ashley Creek Animal Clinic in her honor.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.