Julia "Judy" Kjelmyr, 97, of Leeds, ND, died Thursday, October 10th, 2013 at her home surrounded by her family and under the care of Mercy Hospice.  Funeral services will be Saturday, October 19, 2013, 10:30 AM at Leeds Lutheran Church with Pastor Richard Budd officiating.  Burial will be in the Big Sandy Cemetery, Big Sandy, Montana.  Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 7pm at the Nelson Funeral Home in Leeds.  Casket bearers will be:  Glenn Hoffmann, Lloyd Hjelden, Boyd Stevenson,  Steve Stevenson,  Jerry Smithers,  Jeff Smithers,  Craig Stuberg and Roger Kenner.  Music will be from Tom Freund, soloist with Dan Nybo, organist.

Judy Kjelmyr was born July 26, 1916 at Fort Benton, MT, the daughter of John E. Mahood, editor of the Big Sandy Montana newspaper and mechanic, and Lottie (Hess) Mahood, a piano teacher.  She graduated from Big Sandy High School in 1935, attended Northern Montana College in Havre for two years and a year at the Great Falls Commercial College.  Judy was employed as a secretary in finance companies including:  Wolfe Point, MT  WPA for a year; Goshen, Indiana for two years; Missoula, MT at Pacific Finance as secretary to the branch manager,  then for the same company in Spokane, WA for several years, then returned to Great Falls, MT.  Here she met Philip C. Kjelmyr, who was station in the Army Air Force.  They were married October 14, 1945 in Great Falls.  Following his discharge, the couple moved to his home in Leeds.    Philip passed away May 20, 1997.   She remained in her home until her death.

Judy was raised an Episcopalian. In 1962, her family became members of Leeds Lutheran Church where she worked many years as church and financial secretary.  She was active in her community, serving as the first president of the Leeds American Legion Auxiliary.  Judy also was active with the PTA, Band Boosters, Leeds Alfredian Club, Golf Club, Bridge Club,  Eastern Star and  Elks.

Judy was an accomplished pianist having studied with her mother.  She enjoyed knitting countless afgans and sewing for her family, hand embroidery, ceramics, quilting, reading, walking and shopping.

Judy loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her state of Montana and her beloved Bears Paw Mountains.

Surviving are a son:  John P. Kjelmyr of Eaton, CO and a daughter:  Helen Diane (James) Tufte of York, ND;  4 grandchildren:  Carly (Chris) Tufte Schenck,  Jennifer (Timothy) Litzinger,  Benjamin (Carrie) Tufte and Krista (Scott) Braasch;  7 great-grandchildren:  Connor Litzinger,  Hannah Litzinger,  Jack Litzinger,  Andrew Schenck,  Abigail Schenck,  Carl Braasch and Phillip Braasch;  a sister-in-law:  Dora Mahood of Great Falls, MT;  a niece:  Susan Smithers Mundon of Missoula, MT;  nephews:  Jerry (Darlene) Smithers of Helena, MT and Jeff (Judy) Smithers of Missoula, MT and her loving caregiver, companion and friend:  Vicki Hanson of Leeds.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, husband,  infant grandson,  brother  Jack Mahood,  sister Diane Smithers and sister-in-law Helen M. Kjelmyr.





Condolences:

Our sympathy to you at this sad time.  Judy lived a full and wonderful life, still I know how hard  it is to see that precious time spent together, come to an end. I always admired Judy ~ such a classy lady.  She obviously loved her family greatly and passed on her "love of style" to the female side of the family. Love and prayers to you ~ Audrey Herman



My love and prayers to John and Diane. Judy was and still loved from the Surrounding area of Benson County. Judy will live forever in our hearts. Judy will never be forgotten. Keith Ankenbauer